Abstract
Nineteen elderly patients and their family members were interviewed prior to hospital discharge and again three to six months after discharge regarding (1) elders functional status measured by three assessment questionnaires (ADL, IADL, Scope of Daily Mobility), (2) their comprehension of discharge information, (3) elders' post-discharge home life including interaction with family, participation in social activities, and household environment. There were significant correlation between pre-injury and post-discharge functional ratings. Negative relationship were found between the elders' post-discharge functional status and the families restrictions on the elder's activities including walking upstairs and out-of doors. While these restrictions were meant to prevent the elders' fall they in fact diminished the scope of the elders' activities, social roles, and life pleasure in general. Directions for effective discharge education were suggested : (1) predict the elders' recovery level from pre-injury functional status measurements, and (2) using realistic levels of daily functions data, advise families not to overly restrict elders.
