The Relationship Between Relocation and Alterations in Mental Status Among Elderly Hospitalized Patients

Abstract

Canada is increasingly becoming a country of older individuals. In 1981, almost 10% of the population was over 65 years of age as compared to 8.1% in 1971. It has been predicted that by the year 2001, the elderly will represent 11% of the total population (Statistics Canada, 1981). One consequence of an aging population is an increase in the number of elderly people admitted to acute care and chronic care institutions. Confusion is a phenomenon that occurs often among the elderly when hospitalized in acute care settings (Foreman, 1986; Nagley, 1986; Williams, et al., 1985). Relocation may contribute to confusion in acute care settings; however, research supporting this relationship is limited (Adams, 1986; Burnette, 1986, Engle, 1986; Wolanin, 1983b). Furthermore, confusion in the elderly is often perceived as senility. The impact of relocation on mental status is therefore often not recognized by health care workers. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between relocation to an acute care setting and alterations in mental status among elderly hospitalized patients. This study is a replication of research by Roslaniec and Fitzpatrick (1979) research.