Alcohol problems among residents in old age homes in the city of Mannheim,Germany

Objective: This study aims to determine the prevalence of alcohol problems among residents in old age homes, its demographic and clinical features, an d its association with the risk of falling. Method: All residents (n = 1922) living in 20 randomly selected residential and nursing homes in the city of Mannheim, Germany, were included. Based o n routine documentation, details of their sociodemographic features, medica l diagnoses made upon admission, and current medication were compiled. The home staff filled out for each resident a standardised assessment sheet on activities of daily living-impairment (Barthel Index), behaviour problems, alcohol consumption, and frequency of falls. Results: According to the diagnoses of the primary care physicians, 7.4% of the residents had mental and behavioural disorders due to alcohol (ICD-10: F10). Rates were particularly high among men, and younger and single or di vorced residents. A high percentage of those with a diagnosis of alcohol ab use/dependence (41.1%) were transferred from mental hospitals. Home staff r eported current alcohol abuse/dependence among 3.4% of all residents. The r isk of falling was significantly elevated (Odds ratio: 2.65; p < 0.01) amon g those with current alcohol problems. Conclusion: The results corroborate the findings from other studies wherein residents of old age homes constitute a group at risk of alcohol abuse and dependence. Alcohol problems were more the cause for, rather than the cons equence of, home admission.