| Sumario: | Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the functional home activity and depression incidence in the elderly people (over 70 years of age) after an Accident and Emergency Department visit. It is well known that elderly people commonly use emergency services; however, elderly patients have been less studied in acute care settings than other age groups. Sample and materials: Data were collected by interviewing 141 elderly subjects aged 70 years and older from one university hospital district in Finland and by analysing the subjects' medical records. The interview included the Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living, Social Activity Measures and the Geriatric Depression Scale. Results: Elderly subjects 70 years and older who were living at home had predominantly independent activities of daily living statuses, and their self-reported ability to manage their life was good despite their functional characteristics. However, unidentified depression, continuous melancholy and the lack of assistance in activities of daily living were identified problems for this group of elderly people. Conclusions: In acute care settings, it is of utmost importance for advanced nursing practitioners to pay attention to elderly patients' ability to function at home and to identify depression symptoms in these patients. It is a challenge for care continuity to empower elderly people and recognise these common threats to their ability to manage at home.
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