[Geriatric rehabilitation on Curacao]

Geriatric Rehabilitation (GR), in which the Elderly Care Specialist coordinates multidisciplinary treatment for frail patients with functional decline, was previously absent from the healthcare landscape on Curacao. In April 2022, GR was introduced at nursing home Betèsda, despite the lack of appropriate funding. This retrospective cohort study aims to gain insight into patient characteristics and outcomes of this new form of care on Curaçao. The cohort includes all patients admitted for a first episode of rehabilitation between April 2022 and December 2023. It comprises 105 patients with a median age of 73 years, of whom 49.5% were female and 30.5% had an indication for chronic nursing home care. At admission, the majority of the study population functioned at a very low level; 80% was unable to transfer independently, and 48.6% had no walking function. The median length of stay was 43.0 days. Significant improvements were observed in activities of daily living, trunk balance, transfers and walking function. Of the rehabilitants without a nursing home care indication at admission, 78.7% were discharged home. Of those with a nursing home care indication, 31.3% were discharged home and 28.1% remained permanently in the nursing home. These positive outcomes may contribute to recognition of GRZ by policymakers on Curaçao, along with appropriate funding.