Materials and Method: This descriptive study was performed in Burdur State Hospital. Seventy-six patients aged over 65 years diagnosed with COPD were included. A questionnaire including questions to assess ADL and socio-demographic characteristics of patients was used to collect data.
Results: 53.9% of the participants were aged between 65-74 years. In relation to ADL, 9.2% of the patients were fully dependent to others in having a bath and 5.3% in getting dressed and in relation to auxillary daily living activities, 34.2% were fully dependent in shopping, 31.6% in cooking and 11.8% in taking their drugs. 68.4% of the patients stated that they received care from their family members. When asked how they perceived their state of health, 40.8% of them replied “not so bad”.
Conclusion: Generally elderly patients with COPD have difficulty in carrying out activities of daily living and they become dependent on others. Health care policies to improve their selfsufficiency and independency in activities of daily living must be developed.
Keywords : Elderly; Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD); Activities of daily living (ADL)