Social cases?

Abstract

This was a cross-sectional descriptive study of in-patients over the age of 60 years at St. Luke's hospital who were deemed to be social cases (SC). The majority (58.4%) were female and the mean age was 80 years (range 60-92, SD: 6.7 years). Most (80%) were found in medical wards. The mean length of stay was 22.5 days (range 1-290 days, SD: 36.4 days). Social cases were a frail group with a mean number of co-morbidities of 2.8 (range 0-6, SD:1.5). Dependency level was also high with a mean Barthel score of 6.8 (range 0-20, SD: 7.4). A diagnosis of dementia was documented on the patient's medical record in only 12%. However significant low Abbreviated Mental Test scores were found in 64% (mean AMT 5.0, range 0-9, SD: 2.8). These findings illustrate that most social cases at St. Luke's Hospital are not only there for `social' reasons but also have other factors involved, including a high dependency level in activities of daily living which hamper their discharge to the community. Rehabilitation using an interdisciplinary approach may help the less dependent return to the community.