Recent visual decline-a health hazard with consequences for social life: a study of home care clients in 12 countries

TitleRecent visual decline-a health hazard with consequences for social life: a study of home care clients in 12 countries
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2010
AuthorsGrue E.V, Finne-Soveri H., Stolee P., Poss J., Sorbye L.W, Noro A., Hirdes J.P, Ranhoff A.H
JournalCurr Gerontol Geriatr Res
ISBN Number1687-7071 (Electronic)<br/>1687-7063 (Linking)
Accession Number20811648
Abstract

Information about recent visual decline (RVD) and its consequences is limited. The aim was to investigate this in an observational, prospective study. Participants were recipients of community home services, >/=65 years, from Ontario (Canada, n = 101618), Finland (the-RAI-database, STAKES, n = 1103), and 10 other European countries (the-Aged-in-HOmeCarestudy (AdHOC), n = 3793). The instrument RAI-HC version 2.0 was used in all sites. RVD was assessed by the item "Worsening of vision compared to status 90 days ago" and was present in 6-49% in various sites, more common among persons living alone, and in females. In the AdHOC sample, RVD was independently associated with declining social activity and limited outdoors activities due to fear of falling. The combination of stable vision impairment (SVI) and RVD was independently associated with IADL loss. RVD is common and has greater impact than SVI on social life and function. Caregivers should be particularly aware of RVD, its consequences, and help patients to seek assessments, treatment, and rehabilitation.

DOI10.1155/2010/503817
PMCID

2929488

Link

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&dop...