[The effects of a day service center on the physical and mental condition and lifestyle of the disabled elderly living at home].
This study investigated the effects of a day service center on the physical and mental condition of the disabled elderly living at home, and clarified the factors which related to physical and mental effects after using the day service center. Sixty-nine male and 141 female subjects (mean age: 79.5 years) were studied by questionnaire. Among males, the characteristics of "having a spouse" and "dementia" occurred with significantly greater frequency than among female subjects, while the prevalence of "more advanced age" and "three-generation household" were significantly higher among females than males. The enjoyments at the center for the elderly were baths and/or meals, and meeting and talking with staff members, volunteers and other elders using the day service center. The survey found that the day service center helped to improve the physical and mental conditions such as cleanliness and cheerfulness. The main factors related to physical and mental effects after using the day service center were age distribution, household composition, degree of dementia and manner of bathing at the center. From the results obtained, it was concluded that the day service center provides the opportunity to improve actual living conditions and promote the welfare of the disabled elderly living at home.
Watanabe
M
M
Department of Hygiene and Public Health, Osaka Medical College, Japan.
Kono
K
K
Tanioka
Y
Y
Orita
Y
Y
Dote
T
T
Yoshida
Y
Y
D000368:Aged / Q000523:psychology; D003631:Day Care, Medical; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires