Geriatric Assessment Observations

• Behavioral Assessment by C. F. Nelson, 5/29/96
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    • Geriatric Assessment by Ellen Dornelas, Ph.D., 7/31/96
      
      

I evaluate the provision of care in nursing facilities. For the past ten years I have determined whether a patient has a "reasonable potential for Discharge" after placement (short term/long term). I have found the following five variables highly related to discharge/no discharge: ADL skills, Ambulatory status, Degree of Dementia, Continency, and Family support. The degree of family support is basically a transcendent factor. If I had to rank order the remaining variables I would list as follows:1.Dementia, 2.continency,3. ADL skills 4. Amb. status. All these variables tend to be interactive. If one is attempting to assess a elderly patient as to their care needs I advise that these variables be strongly considered.

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