[Mobility of older people in institutions providing long-term care].

Introduction

Mobility is a central element of health-related quality of life and functional capacity, the loss of which has long-term consequences affecting multiple organ systems, particularly in elderly individuals requiring long-term care. For healthcare professionals working in elderly care, maintaining, or improving basic mobility capacity is of primary importance.

Objective

Our research had dual objectives: to assess the mobility capacity levels of elderly individuals living in long-term care facilities; and to understand the physical, cognitive, and self-care indicators of elderly individuals at different mobility levels, which could make optimal planning of institutional care easier. Method: We conducted a cross-sectional study among residents aged 60 years and over in three nursing homes between June 2023 and June 2024 (n = 209). Mobility was assessed using the validated Hungarian version of the de Morton Mobility Index (DEMMI), physical functions with the 30 Second Sit to Stand Test and Timed Up and Go test, cognitive functions with the Mini Mental State Examination, fear of falling with the FES-I questionnaire, and self-care with the Barthel Index. DEMMI results were categorized into four groups according to Thorsted et al.’s cut-off values.

Results

The average age of participants was 81.34 years, with 71.3% being women. Based on DEMMI scores, 53 individuals (25.4%) had very low mobility, 41 (19.6%) had low mobility, 64 (30.6%) had moderately reduced mobility, and 51 (24.4%) had independent mobility. Higher mobility levels were associated with significantly better lower limb muscle strength, dynamic postural control, cognitive function, lower fear of falling, and better self-care. Discussion: DEMMI more sensitively indicates remaining mobility capabilities compared to traditional tests, and successfully avoids floor effects, thus can effectively help institutions allocate human resources appropriately, and plan needs-based care.

Conclusion

DEMMI is suitable for differentiated assessment of mobility capacity in elderly individuals living in long-term care, and results can provide guidance to institutions for ensuring quality elderly care, and optimal assignment of human resources. Orv Hetil. 2025; 166(45): 1777–1785.