Development of a functional capacity model for the elderly

This study is based on the belief that the amount of nursing care each elderly client requires is determined more by his/or her functional capacity than by diagnosis of medical problems. A functional capacity theoretical model was developed, based on an ecological framework. Environment and personal competence (sensory competence) were hypothesized as predictor constructs, depression as a mediator, and functional capacity as an outcome variable in this model. The model was tested for fit with data from 209 female outpatients of two eye clinics in Seoul, Korea. The results indicated that the hypothesized model fit with the data. Environmental subconcepts showed an indirect effect on functional capacity through depression. This mediating effect of depression was not shown between sensory competence and functional capacity.