1Final Year M. Sc. Nursing, Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, Manipal College of Nursing, Manipal University, Manipal, Udupi, Karnataka, India
2Professor, Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, Manipal College of Nursing, Manipal University, Manipal, Udupi, Karnataka, India
3Senior lecturer, MOSC College of Nursing, Kolenchery, Ernakulam Dist, Kerala, India
*Corresponding author: Dr. Elsa Sanatombi Devi, Professor, Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, Manipal College Of Nursing, Manipal University, Manipal, Udupi, Karnataka, India-576104, Mobile: 09739864293, E-Mail: sanatombi2010@gmail.com
Online published on 6 May, 2016.
The demographic transition of the society into aging socities has taken place in the context of changing family relationships, old age, income which in turn posess variety of social, economical and health care challenges.
This study was undertaken to assess and compare the cognitive function of the elderly living in families and old age homes.
A comprartive study design was utilized in order to recruit 102 (51+51) elderly individuals residing in families of Udupi and old age homes of Udupi and Mangalore districts. The tools used were demographic proforma and Mini Mental Status Examination.
Findings of the study showed that there was a significant difference between the two groups (p=.001), with a mean score of 26.57 for the elderly in families and mean score of 24.20 for those living in the old age homes.
The findings signify that elderly living in old age homes has more cognitive impairment than those residing in families. Thus it throws light in to the fact that there is an immediate need for checking into the concern and implementing a strategy which would capacitate the elderly in these settings to maintain their liberty and thus preserve their quality of life.
Cognitive function, elderly, old age home, living in family
