A study of 40 institutionalized elderly women was undertaken to determine if changes occurred in mental status and functional abilities over the course of 1 year. Although a number of studies examine factors that impact on successful adaptation in persons admitted to long-term care facilities, the longitudinal changes on functional abilities and mental status have not been addressed. These variables were examined in relation to the concept of selfcare, which has been applied to the elderly only recently. Findings indicate a decline in mental status and an increase in functional dependency. Nursing implications and questions that merit further study in the area of self-care are presented.
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