Health needs of the elderly

Elderly residents in two high-rise apartments in Erie, Pennsylvania, were surveyed to identify health needs in this type of congregate dwelling. Responses to a 20-item structured questionnaire were analyzed in relation to health condition, physical functioning, and access to medical care. When the elderly surveyed were divided into subsamples of males living alone, females living alone, and pairs, some differences were found. For example, females living alone had most difficulty in ambulatory activities (physical functioning) and 24.3 percent of the total elderly surveyed were not well in health condition. Recommendations included: A nurse practitioner could assess their health status at a specified health center or in their own apartments. Community groups or a home health aide could provide assistance for the 32 percent of the elderly surveyed who indicated difficulty with physical functioning activities. For the 11.7 percent who reported no access to medical care, a counseling or referral service monitored by a health professional could be provided.