Present status of patients in a rehabilitation unit at a geriatric hospital -Analysis of cases with cerebrovascular disease and disuse syndrome-

Abstract

Aim: To analyze the present status of patients in a rehabilitation unit at a geriatric hospital. Methods: Subjects were 232 patients (74 male and 158 female; mean age, 78.6 ± 12.9 years) and they were divided into two groups (group A had 83 with cerebrovascular disease; group B had 149 with disuse syndrome). In these groups, we retrospectively examined such items as; age, ADL, length of stay, underlying disease and complications, and outcome. Results: Mean ages of groups A and B were 75.9 ± 14.0, 80.0 ±12.0, respectively (p ≤ 0.05; group A vs. B). Mean value of length of stay was 140.9 ± 9.4 in group A and 107.3 ± 11.3 in group B (p≤0.05). Cerebral infarction and pneumonia were the most frequently seen as the underlying diseases in group A (55 cases) and B (33 cases), respectively. During the hospital rehabilitation period, cases requiring medical care occurred in 30.1% of group A and in 26.8% of group B. The total number of patients who returned home or moved to facilities for the aged were 53 in group A and 109 in group B. In almost all of the cases who returned home, they were able to walk upon discharge. Conclusion: It was suggested that comprehensive geriatric medical care is necessary for the elderly during the rehabilitation period. The improvement of physical function up to the level of ambulation seems required for discharge.