Abstract
Physical dependency and mental impairment were assessed in 143 residents of residential accommodation for the elderly and 125 patients in geriatric continuing-care wards in South Belfast. Although dependency, immobility and incontinence were more common in the hospital patients, there was considerable overlap in the disability levels in the two types of care. There was evidence of dementia in 51% of the residents and 71% of the patients, while 29% of residents and 70% of patients were incontinent. Overall, less than 1% of the elderly population was in each of residential or geriatric hospital care but the proportion rose with age and was greater in older women. About 17% of elderly people in South Belfast with dementia were in residential or geriatric hospital care. The projected increase in the number of oldest people, particularly women, and the increased risk of dementia in this age group, means that the need for residential and continuing hospital care for the elderly will continue to increase.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.