Aims: This study aimed to determine the predictive factors for functional recovery and home discharge in stroke patients receiving in-hospital rehabilitation.Methods: This study included a consecutive series of 174 stroke patients (average age 73.0 ± 10.8) admitted to the convalescent rehabilitation ward at Azumino Red Cross Hospital in Japan after acute rehabilitation. The main outcome measures were functional recovery (functional independence measure [FIM] at discharge and Montebello rehabilitation factor score [MRFS]) and home discharge.Results: Total FIM improved from 72.6 ± 27.6 to 87.7 ± 29.9 during the hospital stay (P < 0.001). The average MRFS was 0.34 ± 0.31. Of the 174 patients, 151 were discharged home (87%). Age, stroke type, premorbid independence, motor FIM, and cognitive FIM at admission showed a significant association with FIM at discharge, while age, premorbid independence, motor FIM at admission, and cognitive FIM at admission were statistically significant predictors of MRFS. Female sex, not living with family, premorbid independence, and neglect were negatively associated with home discharge.Conclusions: Premorbid disability and cognitive dysfunction at admission were both negatively associated with functional recovery and home discharge in patients undergoing inpatient stroke rehabilitation. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2012; 12: 215-222.

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Aims: Our purpose was to compare recipient and caregiver perception of the quality of life (QoL) of people with dementia in residential care facilities and to identify the factors associated with their perception of QoL. Methods: Residents’ QoL was evaluated by both the patient and the caregiver, using the Quality of Life in Alzheimer’s Disease and several other indices. Results: The correlation between the self-rated QoL score and the staff-rated QoL score was low. Conclusions: The staff tended to underestimate QoL. The main determinants of QoL were the functional status and depression. Improving physical function and mood may be beneficial in providing a better QoL.