IDENTIFICATION OF PHYSICAL AND FUNCTIONAL PROFILE OF INSTITUTIONALIZED ELDERLY FROM A NURSING HOME

Abstract

Objective: Identify physical and functional profile of elderly from a nursing home (NH) and present to their managers. Methodology: It was analyzed health records of 42 elderly (>60 years) to collect the following data: age; gender; institutionalization’s time; income status; education level; medications; tobacco; use of geriatric diaper; device for locomotion; physical therapy support; history of falls and diseases. It was done 31 assessments, applying: Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) to identify cognition status; Older Americans Resources and Services; Body Mass Index; Berg Balance Scale (BBS); lower limb’s range of motion (ROM) (goniometer) and 30s chair-stand test (CT) to evaluate lower limb strength. Descriptive statistics (means, standard deviations and percentages) were used. Results:  Elderly were 75±10 years; 74% of women; institutionalization’s time was 20±16 years and low level of education. All elderly were using medications and 59% using wheelchair and 67% had participated from physiotherapy sessions. It was found smoking prevalence (19%); systemic arterial hypertension (65%) and diabetes mellitus (26%). More elderly were using geriatric diaper (50%) than urinary incontinence diagnosed (18%). EEB showed score of 12±16, representing high risk of falls; however, the health records (69%) did not indicate fall’s information. Muscle strength (CT, 5±4 repetitions) and ROM was decreased in lower limbs. Conclusion: the elderly assessed needs specialized multi interventions, because presented risk of secondary complications avoidable. The outcomes presented for the employers contributed to the admission of 01 physiotherapist for this NH.