[Medical rehabilitation in nursing home--effects on functional outcome and use of the services].
BACKGROUND
Improved functioning is a primary objective in nursing homes.


METHODS
A total of 146 patients participated in the study, 116 for rehabilitation and 30 for respite care. 122 were admitted from home, 23 from hospital and one from a full-time care facility. The mean age was 78. The multi-disciplinary team consisted of a geriatrician, registered nurses and auxiliary nurses, an occupational therapist, a physical therapist and a speech therapist. Assessments were made before admission and about two months after discharge. The mean number of days in the nursing home was 35 (28-42 days).


RESULTS
A total of 141 were able to resume living at home, whereas five were discharged to permanent care in a nursing home. At the follow-up, gait was improved for 23, was unchanged for 121, and had deteriorated in two (p < 0.001). Of the 21 patients who had been confined to wheelchairs or were bedridden, eight were now able to walk. Regarding change in ADL functions, only personal hygiene reached statistical significance (p < 0.05). Perceived global coping was improved for rehabilitation patients (p = 0.05). No significant changes in mental functioning or in the use of nursing services were found. The average number of hours of home help was reduced from 3.3 to 2.7 a week (p = 0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
The most notable effects were improved mobility and decreased dependence on home-help services.
Valen-Sendstad
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Medisinsk avdeling, Lovisenberg Diakonale Sykehus, Oslo.
Rø
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OC
Laake
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D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006699:Home Care Services / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment; D009664:Norway; D009735:Nursing Homes / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010343:Patient Admission; D010348:Patient Care Team; D010351:Patient Discharge; D012046:Rehabilitation