[Activities of daily living and demand for care of the elderly with chronic conditions in Chengdu].

Objective: To evaluate the activities of daily living and demand for care of the elderly with chronic conditions in Chengdu in order to develop appropriate care models.

Methods: Convenient sampling strategy was adopted to recruit participants in four communities in Chengdu. A total of 180 elderly respondents with chronic conditions completed a questionnaire survey, which evaluated the activities of daily living and demand for care of the respondents.

Results: More than 77% respondents suffered from two or more chronic conditions. Over 97% respondents followed medical advices of doctors in drug therapy, with 70% monitoring the effectiveness of the drug therapy by themselves. The chronic conditions of 61% of respondents were well controlled. More than 54% were able to perform activities of daily living; 38% needed assistance; and 8% were completely dependent on others. Age and numbers of conditions influenced the activities of daily living (P < 0.005). Over 98% respondents were aware of their care needs and 1% identified unmet needs. Care for elderly came mainly from families, followed by relatives, friends, neighbors and workmates. Demands for care depended on financial capacity, degree of independence and numbers of conditions. Demands for nursing care increased with numbers of conditions (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: The ability of elderly performing activities of daily living decreases with age and chronic conditions. A multidimensional care model involving professional carers needs to be developed in responding to the increasing needs of aged care.