Health conditions and use of social care resources in a population of the elderly taken care at home
Gálvez-Romero C., González-Valentín A., De Ramón Garrido E.

SUMMARY

    Older persons represent 15,4% of the population of Spain. This proportion will increase in the future, especially for persons older than 80 years of age. As home care for this population is an alternative to their institutionalization, it is necessary to determine their sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, as well as their use of health care resources, in order to respond to their true needs. We undertook a cross-sectional study of patients included in an Incapacity Program. Variables studied included sociodemographic and clinical factors, functional and cognitive capacity, and the use of health and social care resources.

    The patients were older, with important cognitive worsening, and a high level of dependence and accompanying disease. One fifth considered their health status as poor. They often used the emergency services, and less often were admitted to hospital. Certain sociodemographic characteristics of these patients determined their level of hearing and mental status, such as age, occupation during their working life, and financial income. Factors determining their use of the health services were chronic disease, polypharmacy, slight functional incapacity and financial income.

KEY WORDS

   Home care, functional dependence, elderly, perception of health, use of health care resources.

Vol. 18 nº3-2007