BRANDAO, Maria Piedade; GONCALVES, Joana; SA‐COUTO, Pedro    SOUSA, Liliana. Functional independence of old people with mental disorders: a study in a psychogeriatric unit in Portugal. []. , 33, 2, pp.199-206. ISSN 0870-9025.

Functional dependency in older persons increases the need of social and health care. However the vast literature on functional independency has rarely focused on older people with mental disorders. This study examines functional independency in older persons (≥ 65 years old) with mental disorders. This is a cross‐sectional and retrospective study; data were obtained from clinical processes at the psychogeriatric unit of the Hospital Magalhães Lemos, Porto, Portugal. The sample comprises 157 participants. Functional independence was assessed with EASYCare (Elderly Assessment System); mental disorders were obtained from the clinical diagnosis. Main findings suggest four groups according to functional in/dependency: independent (44.7%), light dependent, (36.8%), moderate dependent (13.2%) and severe dependent (5.3%). Functional independence in older persons with mental disorders is relevant for social and health services to plan programs that promote autonomy and well‐being.

: Older persons; Functional independence; Mental disorders; Geriatric assessment.

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