Predictors of care level among British Columbia seniors
Date
1995
Authors
Beebe, Michael Edward
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Abstract
Predictors of Care Level were examined from an intake assessment data base, in a group of 2989 British Columbia seniors, with a mean age 77.7 years and 60% women. Using a regression model, gender is related to Care Level, while marital status is not. For the Mental Health items, only the Mini-Mental Status Exam score is related to Care Level. The seriousness of medical diagnoses predicts Care Level, but the number of medications does not. Within the ADL/IADL items, the ability to independently ambulate, dress and transfer to the toilet, shop, travel and administer one's medications and treatments are predictive of Care Level. Last, the ability to handle one's business affairs and whether or not a senior receives Guaranteed Income Supplement are predictive of Care Level. However, this set of 10 predictors does not strongly discriminate between Care Level assignments, especially when the senior is assessed at the psycho-geriatric level.