Analysis of the Characteristics and Health Status of the Residents of a Large Nursing Home in Taiwan

Objective: The objective of this study is to gain an understanding of the determining factors of taking long-term care (LTC) residency and the characteristics and health status of the residents of a selected LTC center in Taiwan. Setting: Residents of a LTC institution in central Taiwan. Design and methods: All residents who agreed to participate in the study were included. The study involved individual face-to-face interviews and measurements of blood pressure and blood biochemical parameters. Results: Disability, incontinence and stroke were the major health reasons whereas physical inability to provide care and lack of professional care skill by the family members, believing that the institution could provide better care and eligibility for government supported free-care were the major socioeconomic reasons for taking residency at the LTC facility. Infrequent visits by family members and unnecessary use of under-pads were issues needing some attention. Conclusion: The study provided an insight into the reasons for taking LTC residency by the elderly and an overview of the characteristics of the health and living status of the elderly. These results are valuable information for the health policy makers to formulate important strategies to promote the quality of care for the elderly in Taiwan.

並列關鍵字

long-term care ； elderly ； disability ； health status ； Taiwan

國際替代計量

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