J Korean Geriatr Soc.  2010 Sep;14(3):139-146. 10.4235/jkgs.2010.14.3.139.

Physical and Emotional Status of Nursing Home Residents: Long-term Care of Older People via Incheon Nursing Home Network (LOVE) Study

• Hwang HJ
• Lee KY
• Kim SH

• KMID: 2015195
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4235/jkgs.2010.14.3.139

Abstract

BACKGROUND
The aim of the Long-term Care of Older People via Incheon Nursing Home Network (LOVE) study was to evaluate disease status and its association with physical activity and emotional status among the elderly in nursing homes.
METHODS
This retrospective study included 1,379 nursing home residents aged 65 years and older, of which 260 were excluded due to lack of baseline information. Data regarding major diseases from 1,119 people were analyzed to compare prevalence according to age. Data about physical function and emotional status on admission from 497 residents were analyzed looking for contributing factors to limited function and unstable emotion.
RESULTS
Hypertension was the most common ailment at 58.6% of the total followed by dementia (50.6%), stroke (28.7%), and diabetes (24.2%). Prevalence of diabetes (p<0.001) and stroke (p<0.001) were relatively low in the older age groups but that of osteoarthritis (p<0.001) and dementia (p=0.001) were relatively high. After adjusting for age and sex, limited physical activity was more frequent in those with strokes (odds ratio [OR], 3.7 [2.1-6.2], p<0.001) and fractures (OR, 2.1 [1.1-4.1], p=0.023). Unstable emotion was more frequent in residents with dementia (OR, 1.9 [1.3-2.8], p=0.001).
CONCLUSION
The most common diseases among nursing home residents, in decreasing order, were hypertension, dementia, stroke, and diabetes. Diseases related to the need for physical aids were strokes and fractures. Effective strategies for the management of unstable emotional status in the elderly with dementia are needed.

Keyword

Nursing homes; Aged; Physical activity; Disease status; Emotions

MeSH Terms

Aged
Dementia
Humans
Hypertension
Long-Term Care
Motor Activity
Nursing Homes
Osteoarthritis
Prevalence
Retrospective Studies
Stroke