In elderly men and women, the effects of an acute hospitalization, compounded by limitations associated with aging and the coexistence of age-related chronic disease threaten functional independence. Conceptual Framework: Functional autonomy, defined as the ability to engage in activities of daily living independently without assistance provided the conceptualization for the study. Purpose: Within the context of an ongoing study of hospitalization in the elderly, the purpose of this presentation is to describe activities of daily living throughout the hospitalization experience in elderly men and women. Subjects: Subjects were 18 elderly men and women (7 male; 11 female) ranging in age from 65-91 years (mean=72.83; standard deviation=8.20). Methods: Following a description of the study and requirements of participation, opportunities were provided to reinforce expectations and ask questions. Following informed consent baseline measures of activities of daily living were initiated and repeated daily throughout hospitalization. Results: Of those admitted once during this time period (n=17) one an 82 year old Hispanic male experienced change in two basic activities of daily living (bathing and toileting), moving from independence to dependence, thus in need of assistance. The 18th patient, a 66 year old African-American female sustained four admissions and began experiencing change in activities of daily living ability (moving from the bed to a chair; walking) with the second admission, lasting 24 days, changes which persisted to the fourth admission. Conclusions: In two of the 18 hospitalized elderly, activities of daily living ability declined with hospitalization. Nurses caring for elderly patients are in a pivotal position to assess activities of daily living ability throughout hospitalization and to further develop an ongoing awareness of those who may be particularly vulnerable to decline in activities of daily living ability. **This project was supported by an American Academy of Nursing/John A. Hartford Foundation Initiative Building Academic Geriatric Nursing Capacity Fellowship awarded to Dr. Holm/Dr. Foreman, Sponsor.
Session #1219 - Poster Session I
The 29th Annual MNRS Research Conference (April 1-4, 2005)