Survey of the living conditions and psychosomatic states of the elderly in Japan who receive home help

Abstract
The living conditions and psychosomatic states of 2828 elderly people receiving care from home helpers were investigated. The physical condition of men was significantly lower than that of women. With regard to daily life (i.e. eating, sitting, standing, excretion, dressing, bathing, walking, tidiness) 70% were rated as being self‐supporting. Eighty per cent of subjects were judged as having normal intelligence. Twenty‐two per cent of subjects had more than one psychiatric symptom (e.g. memory impairment, insomnia, talking to oneself, and delusions). Among the various medico‐welfare supports, home help was recommended most often.