Functional Ability and Hope: A Study of the Frail Elderly Home Health Client Post-hospitalization

This descriptive, longitudinal research study investigated the difference in functional ability and hope in frail elderly home health clients in the Midwest. Data was collected through structured interviews at two weeks post-hospitalization and at three months. The Katz Index of Activities of Daily Living, the Folstein Mini Mental Status Exam, the Herth Hope Index, and a Demographic Information Form were used to survey the study participants. Paired Tests, Mann Whitney U, and cross tabulations were used to statistically analyze the data. Findings revealed that there was no significant difference between level of hope and functional ability from two weeks to three months. Factor 3, Interconnectedness, on the Herth Hope Index did approach significance. A strong descriptive level of spiritual faith, community and family support was found. Results of this study may be used to assist researchers and geriatric professionals in devising methodologies to examine outcomes of the frail elderly. Demographic information replicates prior studies involving the frail elderly.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (MS)

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis - University Access Only

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Graduate Nursing

Year

1995

Author dc:creator

• Horner, Arlene

Contributors dc:contributor

• Margaret Hegge

• older people home care
• older people functional assessment
• older people psychology
• Nursing

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright © 1995 Arlene Horner. All rights reserved

Language dc:language

en

Repository record dc:identifier

https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/etd/855

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:openprairie.sdstate.edu:etd-1855