The social and functional consequences of stroke for elderly patients.

This study sought to answer questions about the social and functional consequences of stroke for elderly patients (greater than or equal to 65 years of age). Survivors of acute stroke were retrospectively identified, and hospital records were reviewed. One year after discharge, follow-up interviews were conducted with families of surviving patients. Most patients were discharged to home (82%) and remained there. Independent functional status was the single predictor of discharge to home (p less than 0.01). By the time of followup, less than half of the surviving patients were functionally independent (42%). Stroke is an important cause of functional dependence among the elderly. Attention should be focused on minimizing the effects of persisting dysfunction on them and their families.