[Problems identified by geriatric evaluation at a nursing home]

A geriatric evaluation was carried out in a group of 37 elderly nursing home residents. A complete history and physical examination was performed in all the patients. We identified 185 new medical problems in the patients, 40.7 per cent of whom were rehabilitation candidates. A functional status evaluation on daily activities showed dependency in 56.8 per cent of the patients while in daily instrumental activities 51.3 to 81 per cent of the patients required assistance. A mental status evaluation showed abnormalities in 46.8 per cent of the patients. This analysis shows the need of implementing this particular form of evaluation of elderly patient in our community and nursing homes.