Evaluation of long-term functional status in first-ever stroke patients in a defined population

Medical, social and ADL variables were registered within 48 hours of stroke onset and 6 and 12 months later in 346 first-ever stroke patients. One year after stroke onset 27% of the patients were dead. 78% of the surviving patients were living in their own homes, 10.6% in old people's homes with no medical facilities and 9.5% in nursing homes. A health index was used for ADL evaluation and the quality of life was estimated according to Nottingham Health Profile (NHP). 16% of the patients had domestic social service assistance before stroke onset. The help given by relatives and friends far exceeded that given by the society before as well as after stroke onset. Right hemispheric stroke patients had a worse outcome than left-sided with respect to ADL and life satisfaction.