Assistive devices and home modifications in geriatric rehabilitation.

Many older adults have difficulty with functional activities and do not recognize that help is available to them. Many assistive devices and home modifications exist that promote greater independence and safety for older individuals in the areas of mobility, self-care, and home management. Many factors must be considered in selecting an assistive device for an individual in order to meet the unique needs of that person.

Prosthetic use in elderly patients with dysvascular above-knee and through-knee amputations.

Fifty-five patients with vascular insufficiency resulting in above-knee (AK) and through-knee (TK) amputations were studied to determine factors related to prosthetic candidacy and functional outcome. Chart review showed that the only difference between patients who were fitted with prostheses and those who were not fitted with prostheses was their respective number of medical complications. Twenty-three of 31 patients with prostheses were evaluated 7 to 35 months after receiving the prostheses.

Ambulation, activity level, and pain. Outcomes of a program for spinal pain.

The purpose of this study was to investigate changes in ambulation distance, activity level, medical care sought, and perceived pain in 49 patients with chronic spinal pain who completed an inpatient rehabilitation program. Therapy included patient education, reduction in pain medications, increased quotas for activity and ambulation, and reinforcement of nonpain behaviors. Change was measured by a 12-minute walk, an activity check list, and pain and activity self-ratings.

Self-concept: an outcome of a program for spinal pain.

Changes in self-concept were studied in 50 patients with chronic spinal pain who underwent a 4 week inpatient program. Treatment included increasing quotas for activity and walking, patient education, reduction in pain medications, and reinforcement of non-pain behaviors. The instrument used to measure change was the counseling form of the Tennessee Self-Concept Scale (TSCS).

Deaths among female patients with carcinoma of the breast treated by a surgical procedure only.

The postoperative mortality from carcinoma of the breast is low, and it appears to be getting lower. Mortality is highest for the women in the older age group and for those with the most advanced stage of disease. Surgeons who generally consider these factors in deciding whether or not to perform an operation may wish to review their own experience in light of these data.