Predictors of reintegration to normal living in older adults discharged from an intensive rehabilitation program.

The objective of this study was to explore which of many personal and environmental variables are the best predictors of reintegration to normal living in older adults discharged from an inpatient rehabilitation unit. A few days before discharge from rehabilitation, more than 15 biopsychosocial characteristics of 94 people over 60 years were evaluated with reliable and valid tests. The participants' reintegration to normal living was evaluated 3 months later (n=86) with the reintegration to normal living index. This questionnaire comprises 11 items covering physical, social, and psychological dimensions of daily living. From multivariate regression analyses, functional independence, balance, grip strength, and general well-being are the best predictors and explain 26 and 27% of the variance in reintegration to normal living. This study suggests that by increasing efforts to maximize functional independence, balance, grip strength, and well-being, rehabilitation professionals can expect older adults to achieve a greater degree of reintegration in their activities and social roles and may contribute to their quality of life.