[Medical rehabilitation in nursing home--effects on functional outcome and use of the services]

Improved functioning is a primary objective in nursing homes.

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).

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).

The most notable effects were improved mobility and decreased dependence on home-help services.