Development and clinical application of new assessment tool to measure QOL of elderly wit severe functional disability

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One of the most essential theme in long- term care for elderly is how to keep high quality care. However, assessment tool to measure QOL of elderly subjects with dementia is not available. Therefore, the purpose of the present study is to evaluate the practical validity of Vitality Index developed by our group, whether the index will be a new scale to assess QOL of elderly subjects with dementia. We performed several projects to complete the purpose.First, ADL and Vitality index were simultaneously measured in several wards with different function. In medical therapeutic ward, average score of Vitality index was decreased. In dementia unit, Vitality index was distributed from full score to zero. On the other hand, Vitality was well reserved in nursing unit.Second, we measured the chancy in several scales including Barthel Index, N- ADL, NM, SDS, HDSR and Vitality index before and after group rehabilitation. Only SDS and Vitality index were significantly changed.Third, relationship between Vitality Index and care rank of long-term care insurance was examined. Vitality index was negatively correlated with care rank.Forth, natural consequence of score of Vitality index was measured in long-term care facility. Vitality index was not significantly changed for 6 month in long-term care facility.Finally, we evaluated which factors are involved in survival in long-term care facility. Only sex (female) and high score of Vitality Index were significant factors for survival by the multi- validate analysis.In conclusion, Vitality Index is a new useful practical tool to assess elderly with dementia.