The purpose of this study was to describe the operation, staffing, and services provided at adult day care centers in Korea.

The study was a cross-sectional descriptive survey. The subjects were 209 centers among 280 centers registered in Korea (response rate 74.6%). The data was collected from August to December in 2006.

48.8% of centers were located in a city area. The centers were based on the Social Model 65.5% of the centers were open Monday to Friday, an average of 7~8 hours per day. Dementia, stroke or frail elderly could use the center, and 57.4% of centers were used for dementia and stroke elderly together. The enrollment of elderly was 13.5. The number of total staff was 8.27, the number of RN's and social workers was 0.67, and 2.54 respectively. The social services(Meal preparation 98.6%, Special event 98.1%, Transportation, 97.1%) were provided more than the health services(Physical therapy 98.1%, ADL training 95.2%, Counseling 84.7%, Vaccination 82.8%, Health monitoring 78.9%, Health education 78.5%, Bathing 66.1%, and Speech therapy 28.2%).

These results suggest we have to develop a health-focused adult day health care model based on the needs of elderly and their families. Nurses will have an important role in adult day health care.

This study was done to evaluate effectiveness of home healthcare services (HHCS) specialized for elders who received spinal surgeries.

A non-equivalent control group pre-post test quasi-experimental study was performed. HHCS was developed based on the Rice model of dynamic self-determination for self-care. For data collection, a control group (n=23) and an experimental group (n=23) were selected by matching age, BMI, pain, general characteristics and type of spine surgery. Measurement tools to evaluate uncertainty and knowledge were developed by the authors. The Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) and Japanese Orthopedic Association Back Pain Evaluation Questionnaire (JOABPEQ) were used to evaluate pain levels. Muscular strength in the legs was measured using a digital muscle tester and tape ruler. Questionnaires were used to evaluate disability in performing ADL and psychological distress levels.

The experimental group showed significant decrease in uncertainty (p=.028), increased knowledge (p=.038), and partially decreased pain (p=.003-.331). Partial muscle strength increased significantly (p=.021-.644). Disability in performing ADL and psychological distress in the experimental group decreased significantly compared to control group (p=.002, p=.004).

Results indicate HHCS is an efficient home care nursing program for these elders. Further experimental studies with larger samples are required to confirm effects of HHCS.