Nonagenarians on a rehabilitation unit: characteristics, progress, and outcomes

To determine the diagnostic, functional, and demographic characteristics and to review the progress of nonagenarians admitted to a general rehabilitation unit. In addition, to compare their outcomes with a selected group of younger patients.

A 4-yr retrospective chart review of the 40 admitted nonagenarians. Functional status was assessed by means of the FIM instrument.

The most common diagnostic category was hip or femur fracture. Only two of the 40 patients required a transfer back to an acute medical unit. Mean FIM gain was 14.42 points. Nineteen of the 40 patients were discharged directly to their homes. Discharge home was related to younger age, living situation before hospitalization, and whether the patient lived alone or with others prehospitalization. No admission FIM score was related to discharge disposition. Compared with younger hip or femur fracture patients, nonagenarians were more likely to be women, be unmarried, not lived at home before admission, and less likely to be discharged home.

The majority of this select group of nonagenarians was able to complete a structured program on a rehabilitation unit. Their demographic and functional characteristics and long-term outcomes merit further study.