Effects of locality based community hospital care on independence in older people needing rehabilitation: randomised controlled trial.

The objective of this study was to determine the effects on independence in older people of having rehabilitation in community hospitals compared with on a ward for elderly people in a district general hospital. The population studied had an average age of 85, had reduced independence before admission and were in receipt of care from social services. The participants had all presented as emergency admissions to hospital and were medically stable, but in need of further rehabilitation before discharge. Results showed that those transferred to the community hospital achieved a greater level of independence.