The relationship of classes of commonly prescribed medications to functional status and quality of life for frail home-based older adults

We compared classes of medication and inappropriately prescribed medications (IPDs) (potentially not indicated for seniors) to functional status and quality of life (QOL) in 1,099 seniors. We used data from the Physical Health Measure of the Older Americans Resources and Services (OARS) instrument, Functional Independence Measure (FIM), Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) of the OARS, two QOL questions, and Beer's criteria for IPDs. Multivariate analyses show cardiac medications positively, and analgesics inversely associated with FIM and IADLs, and endocrine medications inversely associated with FIM. Two high-risk groups emerged: older, not married (widowed, divorced and single) non-whites at risk for functional decline, and those with IPDs at risk for poorer QOL. These findings suggest research and prevention roles for rehabilitation professionals.