Evaluation of elderly persons' functionality and care needs

• Published in: Revista latino-americana de enfermagem 2013-01, Vol.21 Spec No (spe), p.52-60
• Main Authors: Lopes, Manuel José, Escoval, Ana, Pereira, Dulce Gamito, Pereira, Carla Sandra, Carvalho, Catarina, Fonseca, César
• Format: Article
• Language: eng ; por
• Subjects: Activities of Daily Living; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Geriatric Assessment; Health Services for the Aged; Health Services Needs and Demand; Humans; Male; NURSING; Surveys and Questionnaires
• ISSN: 0104-1169; 1518-8345; 1518-8345; 0104-1169
• DOI: 10.1590/S0104-11692013000700008

To evaluate the elderly persons' functionality, based on the International Classification of Functionality. a cross-sectional, descriptive study; a stratified random sample of 903 elderly persons; a confidence level of 95%; and a margin of error of 2.5%. Questionnaire based on the International Classification of Functionality; data was collected based on structured interviews undertaken by health professionals in the health centers in the Alentejo region of Portugal. 30.7% of the elderly persons stated that they were illiterate, and 22.9% lived alone. Feeding/dietary (18.7%), housing (19.2%) and health needs (26.0%) were not met. Orientation functions were maintained in 83.4%; 58% of the elderly persons referred to pain so intense that it required care; 73.3% of the elderly persons did not have functional dentition. Levels of performance were superior to 80% in the participation activities: washing oneself (82.6%), toileting (92.2%), dressing, eating, and drinking (89%). although a progressive decline in functionality is observed as age advances, the majority of dimensions are preserved until around 75 years of age.