Longitudinal Assessment of Health-Related Quality of Life in Older Adults Receiving Rehabilitative Care in a Japanese Geriatric Health Service Facility.

INTRODUCTION

This exploratory study examined longitudinal trends in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among older adults receiving short-term inpatient rehabilitation at a Japanese geriatric health service facility (ROKEN).

METHODS

A prospective observational study was conducted at one ROKEN facility in Kurashiki City. Participants admitted for approximately three months with planned discharge home were assessed using the SF-12 (PCS, MCS, RCS) and ASCOT SCT4 at three time points: pre-admission (T1), one month after admission (T2), and one month post-discharge (T3). Friedman and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were applied.

RESULTS

Of 49 participants enrolled, 24 completed all assessments. Mental health (MCS) showed a modest improvement from T1 to T3 (p=0.04), while role-related and social domains (RCS and ASCOT) declined after discharge. Satisfaction with personal care, food, and accommodation remained high, whereas control over daily life and social participation decreased.

CONCLUSIONS

These preliminary findings suggest that inpatient rehabilitation may support mental health, but social and role-related aspects tend to worsen after discharge. High attrition and small sample size limit generalizability, underscoring the need for further research and enhanced post-discharge support.