Functional Dependence among older adults receiving care from Family Health Strategy teams

Abstract

<jats:p>Abstract Objective : To evaluate functional dependence among older adults receiving care from Family Health Strategy (FHS) teams, in Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brazil, identifying associated factors. Methods : A cross-sectional and analytical study with randomly selected older adults was performed. The instrument used was BOMFAQ (the Brazilian Older Americans Resources and Services Multidimensional Functional Assessment Questionnaire). Data collection was performed by trained staff in the homes of the older adults. Sociodemographic, economic data, living habits, health care, morbidities and Activities of Daily Living (ADL) were evaluated. In addition to descriptive analysis, factors associated with functional dependence were identified using the chi-square test, followed by hierarchical multiple analysis using Poisson regression with robust variance. Results : 1,750 older adults were evaluated. The group was predominantly female, with low schooling. The proportion of the sample considered dependent was 57.0%. The variables associated with functional dependence were: female gender (PR=1.19); age ≥70 years (PR=1.33); schooling ≤4 years (PR=1.19); being unemployed (PR=1.43); not performing physical activity (PR=1.19) or walking (PR=1.15); not listening to the radio as a leisure activity (PR=1.13); not having the habit of reading (PR=1.17); presenting depressive symptoms (PR=1.15); hospitalization in the last six months (PR=1.18); cognitive impairment (PR=1.16); insomnia (PR=1.13); obesity (PR=1.18); falls in the last year (PR=1.11); cataracts (PR=1.09), spinal problems (PR=1.19); urinary incontinence (PR=1.25); poor circulation (PR=1.09) and a negative self-perception of health (PR=1.22). Conclusion : Functional dependence is multifactorial, but is influenced mainly by the health conditions of older adults.</jats:p>

Path analysis of urinary incontinence in older adults living in nursing homes

“…Some limitations in BADLs were identified in the group of older adults with UI. 20 A previous study described limitations in BADLs as a criterion of physical frailty, in which UI associated with limitations in BADLs is related to reduced social interaction and sexual life. 7 Furthermore, Huion et al observed significant differences between dependent and independent older adults regarding UI.…”

Clinical aspects of patients in home treatment for the best at home and de-hospitalization / Aspectos clínicos de pacientes em tratamento domiciliar pelo melhor em casa e desospitalização

“…The main factor for a patient to be discharged from hospital and taken on by the PMC is to meet the inclusion criteria adopted for this program, based on clinical and administrative aspects. 11 In this study, patients were admitted to the PMC, on average, almost two weeks after being discharged from hospital. At this point, it could be argued that the system may also be overcrowded, given that at the time of the study the municipality had four PMC teams for around 400,000 inhabitants.…”

“…It should be assessed on a case-by-case basis, according to the specific situation, identifying the singularities and needs of the patients, as well as taking into account their abilities and PMC conditions 11 . In a country with intense social inequality, it is suggested that the team discuss and evaluate the possibility of flexibility in the eligibility criteria for HC, as long as it does not compromise the quality of the service to be provided.…”

Difficulties in Caring for the Older Adults: Perspective of Brazilian and Portuguese Caregivers

“…With advancing age and limiting health conditions, it is common for a significant number of older adults to live with high levels of functional dependence and because of this they need help from others to carry out basic daily activities of life, such as hygiene, food and walking [ 3 , 4 , 5 ]. It is in this sense that the family begins to play the role of the main caregiving institution, often needing to form a new family arrangement to adapt to the new reality [ 6 , 7 , 8 ], and experiencing conditions of work overload and family conflicts [ 2 , 9 , 10 ].…”