Geriatric Rehabilitation Unit: a 3-year outcome evaluation.

One-hundred-ninety elderly (mean age 75.8 years), disabled patients at risk of being institutionalized due to stroke, acute medical problems, dementia, and other illnesses completed a rehabilitation program at the Geriatric Rehabilitation Unit (GRU). A retrospective study to measure possible impacts of rehabilitation on functional status and placement at discharge from the GRU and on living situation 1 year postdischarge showed an improvement of functional status after rehabilitation in nearly all patients. By discharge, the number of patients with partial or total activities of daily living (ADL) independence increased from 87 to 173, ambulatory patients increased from 42 to 127, continent patients from 89 to 141 and mentally clear patients from 40 to 91. Higher ratings in these parameters at discharge were associated with better placement and significantly lower mortality 1 year postdischarge. Patients placed in noninstitutional settings had a lower (21%) mortality rate when compared with patients placed in nursing homes (mortality 45%). The GRU program is clearly associated with improved outcome of care.