title: Coping with an upper limb fracture? A study of the elderly.
abstract: Upper limb fractures in the elderly, usually managed by immobilisation of the arm, limit activities to an unknown extent. Fifty-one patients in Middlesbrough, aged over 60 years and who had upper limb fractures, were interviewed in the fracture clinic. Most patients had difficulty in performing various activities of daily living (ADL) following their injury. Difficulties with ADL were significantly associated with shoulder immobilisation (P = 0.03) and age (P = 0.01) but not with life satisfaction (P = 0.18) or existing poor health (P = 0.39). Relatives and friends provided most of the necessary help, the contribution of the health and social services being relatively small. Patients received more help with activities like shopping, laundry and housework than personal activities such as bathing, using the toilet and dressing. The injury increased demands on the GPs, meals on wheels, home help, nursing and warden services. Unmet demand was mostly for chiropodists, bath attendants and physiotherapists. Most patients (95%) were satisfied with the help they received from their relatives and friends. Despite difficulty with the activities of daily living most patients coped well with support following their fracture. Demographic changes and the increasing incidence of fractures mean that the burden on both carers and health and social services will increase.
authors.affiliation: South Tees Health Authority.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Madhok
authors.forename: R S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Bhopal
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D001134:Arm Injuries / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000628:therapy*; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000592:standards*; D005260:Female; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012947:Social Work