The elderly coping at home: a study of continuity of nursing care

Thirty-three elderly clients who had been hospitalized and required continued care at home were studied for 3 months, with 836 visits made. Coping at home was studied in relationship to their certainty/uncertainty scores, perceived level of health, and perceived satisfaction with nursing care services. The relationship between coping and certainty/uncertainty was significant at P less than 0.001 and P less than 0.005 (first and second visits); the relationship between coping and perceived level of health was significant at P less than 0.001 and P less than 0.05 (first and second visits); and the relationship between coping and perception of care was not significant. This study presents significant data to contribute to nursing knowledge in the care of elderly people at home.