This cross-sectional study, by applying the comprehensive health assessment, were aimed to analyze the health and functional status, risk factors of fall, gait & balance on solitary elderly receiving only home visiting from volunteers. Throughout the process of assessment and analysis, the participants' needs were identified. The results showed several fold: 1. The top 4 needs on ADL were controlling bladder, climbing and stepping down stairs, transfering from wheelchair to bed and return, and walking on level surface. 2. The prioritizing 3 needs on IADL were telephone using, housework performing, and shopping. 3. The most common diagnosed morbid conditions were tooth loss, cataract, presbyopia. 4. The top 3 health problems on body organ systems were eyes; oral cavity, larynx and pharynx; and musculoskeletal system. The more abnormal findings on musculoskeleton, the more needs were required on ADL and IADL (p<.05). The more abnormal findings on ears, the more needs were required on IADL (p<.05). 5. The rate of fall within one year were 27.0%. The fallers had lower scores on IADL than non-fallers (p<.05); moreover, the fallers had more balance problems and risk factors on fall than non-fallers (p<.05). Based on these, proper individualized interventions were developed. The results could also serve as a basis for case management and volunteer training program for home care (or service) agencies. Local government can also develop social and health welfare programs suitable for solitary elderly based on the findings of our study. It was suggested to recruit more nursing personnel for home care service system, to monitor and handle the health and functional status and related needs of the solitary elderly.
This cross-sectional study, by applying the comprehensive health assessment, were aimed to analyze the health and functional status, risk factors of fall, gait & balance on solitary elderly receiving only home visiting from volunteers. Throughout the process of assessment and analysis, the participants' needs were identified. The results showed several fold: 1. The top 4 needs on ADL were controlling bladder, climbing and stepping down stairs, transfering from wheelchair to bed and return, and walking on level surface. 2. The prioritizing 3 needs on IADL were telephone using, housework performing, and shopping. 3. The most common diagnosed morbid conditions were tooth loss, cataract, presbyopia. 4. The top 3 health problems on body organ systems were eyes; oral cavity, larynx and pharynx; and musculoskeletal system. The more abnormal findings on musculoskeleton, the more needs were required on ADL and IADL (p<.05). The more abnormal findings on ears, the more needs were required on IADL (p<.05). 5. The rate of fall within one year were 27.0%. The fallers had lower scores on IADL than non-fallers (p<.05); moreover, the fallers had more balance problems and risk factors on fall than non-fallers (p<.05). Based on these, proper individualized interventions were developed. The results could also serve as a basis for case management and volunteer training program for home care (or service) agencies. Local government can also develop social and health welfare programs suitable for solitary elderly based on the findings of our study. It was suggested to recruit more nursing personnel for home care service system, to monitor and handle the health and functional status and related needs of the solitary elderly.