Association between the risk of feeding and swallowing function, activities of daily living, and length of stay among disabled elderly individuals in geriatric health services facilities

Abstract

This study examined the association between the feeding and swallowing functions, activities of daily living, and length of stay in residents of geriatric health services facility to obtain basic data for the development of a screening system for the prevention of aspiration pneumonia. Structured interviews were conducted with 150 residents requiring care, aged 65 and over, of geriatric health services facilities to examine their ADLs, length of stay, and feeding and swallowing functions. Analysis of the interview data demonstrated the association of the feeding and swallowing functions with basic ADL, particularly eating. Further, the difference between residents who were completely independent and slightly dependent in eating was significant. Regarding the length of stay, a decrease in the feeding and swallowing functions was observed in residents who had stayed for 3 years or more.