What Is the Health Status of Institutionalized Elderly in Lebanon ? A Preliminary Cross-Sectional National Survey

Abstract

Medical conditions and depen- dency levels of the elderly in the Lebanese long-term care institutions have not been described. This may undermine care commissioning and development to institutionalized elderly. Data to inform policy and practice are needed. To identify clinical diagnoses and dependency levels among elderly residents in long-term care institutions in Lebanon. Cross-sectional survey of long-term care institutions throughout Lebanon as identified by the Mihistry of Social Affairs. Thirty-one out of 42 long- term care institutions have been included in this survey. Among them, 1371 elderly subjects were included in the analysis; 75.6% were over the age of 75, and female repre- sented 67%. Medical morbidities and associated disabilities have driven admission in 70.5% of residents; 45.6% of resi- dents reported dernentia, stroke or other neurodegenerativb disease. Overall, 60% of residents required locomotor assis- tance. Elderly residents in long-term carb institutions are predominantly females, with mental and/or locomotor disabilities resulting fror neurological and ar- thritic conditions. Targeting healthcare for such health condi- tions remains a challenge for the institutions.