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, and 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 on routine documentation, details of their sociodemographic features, medical 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 divorced residents. A high percentage of those with a diagnosis of alcohol abuse/dependence (41.1%) were transferred from mental hospitals. Home staff reported current alcohol abuse/dependence among 3.4% of all residents. The risk of falling was significantly elevated (Odds ratio: 2.65; p < 0.01) among 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 consequence of, home admission.