Evaluation of elderly persons' functionality and care needs

Authors

  • Manuel José Lopes Universidade de Évora
  • Ana Escoval Universidade Nova de Lisboa; Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública
  • Dulce Gamito Pereira Universidade de Évora
  • Carla Sandra Pereira Universidade de Évora
  • Catarina Carvalho Universidade de Évora
  • César Fonseca Universidade de Évora

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/S0104-11692013000700008

Keywords:

Aging, International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, Needs Assessment

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the elderly persons' functionality, based on the International Classification of Functionality. METHODS: 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. RESULTS: 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%). CONCLUSION: although a progressive decline in functionality is observed as age advances, the majority of dimensions are preserved until around 75 years of age.

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Published

2013-02-01

Issue

Vol. 21 (2013): special issue

Section

Original Articles

License

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How to Cite

Evaluation of elderly persons’ functionality and care needs . (2013). Revista Latino-Americana De Enfermagem, 21(spe), 52-60. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0104-11692013000700008