What is the health status of institutionalized elderly in Lebanon? A preliminary cross-sectional national survey

Abstract

Background: Medical conditions and dependency levels of the elderly in the Lebanese long-term care institutions have not been described. This may undermine care commissioning and development to institutionalized elderly. Data to inform policy and practice are needed. Objective: To identify clinical diagnoses and dependency levels among elderly residents in long-term care institutions in Lebanon. Methods: Cross-sectional survey of long-term care institutions throughout Lebanon as identified by the Ministry of Social Affairs. Results: Thirty-one out of 42 longterm care institutions have been included in this survey. Among them, 1371 elderly subjects were included in the analysis ; 75.6% were over the age of 75, and female represented 67%. Medical morbidities and associated disabilities have driven admission in 70.5% of residents ; 45.6% of residents reported dementia, stroke or other neurodegenerative disease. Overall, 60% of residents required locomotor assistance. Conclusions : Elderly residents in long-term care institutions are predominantly females, with mental and/or locomotor disabilities resulting from neurological and arthritic conditions. Targeting healthcare for such health conditions remains a challenge for the institutions.