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Updated: May 24, 2026
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Assessment of Dependence in Activities of Daily Living Among Older Patients in an Acute Care Unit
Published on: September 30, 2020
Functional decline in hospitalized older adults: can nursing make a difference?
Marie Boltz1, Barbara Resnick, Elizabeth Capezuti
1New York University College of Nursing, New York, NY, USA.
Geriatric Nursing (New York, N.Y.)
|March 10, 2012
Summary
Function-focused care (FFC) helps hospitalized older adults maintain daily activities and physical function. This approach was associated with less decline in activities of daily living (ADL) during hospitalization.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Nursing Care
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Hospitalized older adults are at risk for functional decline.
- Preventing functional decline is crucial for maintaining independence and quality of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine characteristics of older adults receiving Function-Focused Care (FFC).
- To investigate the relationship between FFC and changes in physical activity and functional status.
Main Methods:
- Prospective, observational study with 93 hospitalized older adults.
- Assessed demographic and clinical characteristics.
- Measured physical activity and functional performance (e.g., Tinetti scale).
Main Results:
- Patients receiving FFC were younger, had falls, and better admission functional performance.
- FFC was linked to less decline in activities of daily living (ADL) from admission to discharge.
- Statistical significance noted for FFC's positive impact on ADL function.
Conclusions:
- Hospitalized older adults can benefit from Function-Focused Care.
- FFC may be an effective strategy to mitigate functional decline in this population.
- Further research could explore optimal FFC implementation.
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