Functional Profile of Older Adults Hospitalized in Rehabilitation Units of the National Network of Integrated Continuous Care of Portugal: A Longitudinal Study

Abstract

Background: The success of healthy aging depends on the ability of countries to study and act on frailty in the elderly, control chronic diseases, improve functional capacity and prevent cognitive decline and social interaction. Aim: (1) to evaluate the functional profile of older adults hospitalized in a Unit of the National Network of Integrated Continuous Care of Portugal; and (2) to assess the relationship between functional profile and age, gender, level of education and emotional state. Methods: Longitudinal study with a population of 59,013 older adults (65 years or older) hospitalized in Medium-Term Care and Rehabilitation Units in Portugal. Results: Older age (≥85 years), no school attendance, low body mass index and presence of sad or depressed mood were predictive factors for a deficit in functional capacity. We identified significant improvements in rehabilitation, but after 210 days of hospitalization, older people incurred a loss of functionality. Total compensation needs were typified by severe deficits in self-care and functional capacity: 47.1%. A moderate deficit was present in 43.1%, and a slight self-care and functional deficit occurred in 9.8% of the individuals. Conclusions: Knowing the determinants of functional capacity and self-care needs will make it possible to define priority intervention groups and implement quality and financing models based on gains in functionality.