Complicated health problems of the Vulnerable Elderly

Background: The purpose of the study is to identify the complexity of health problems among the vulnerable elderly and to determine the type of care service to manage their health problems. Methods: This secondary analysis was done using the data collected by a nurse for Customized Home Visiting Care at 18 public health centers in Seoul. Data of 460 participants regarding the frailty assessment tool consisted of 20 items (7 areas: physical, cognitive, and psychological function, isolation, nutrition, oral health, and chronic disease) and a question on urinary incontinence were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: About 15.4% among participants were frail and the number of health problems averaged at 2.11% Because they had severe health problems in 8 health areas, 2.4% of the participants had difficulty in managing through the home care service by the visiting nurse. However, 4.8% of the group can provide intensive care through home visiting because of depression and were isolated with some health problems. While 8.2% can be provided with a preventive frail program as a group because they had 2-3 health problems except depression and isolation. Depression and decline in physical function have aggravated the frail score consistently. Oral health and nutrition problems were more frequently reported in frail group than in non-frail elderly. Conclusions: These results may help home visiting care providers to better understand elderly health needs and the home visiting nurses to collaborate with diverse disciplinary personnel on preventive home care service for the vulnerable elderly.