Self‐Reported Functional Status Predicts Change in Level of Care in Independent Living Residents of a Continuing Care Retirement Community

To test the hypothesis that self‐reported functional status predicts change in level of care from independent to dependent in residents of a continuing care retirement community (CCRC). Two‐year longitudinal descriptive study of change in level of care and survival. One hundred fifty‐two residents in the independent‐living unit of a non‐profit CCRC. Mean age at initial evaluation was 82.3 years, SD 6.2. Predictor variables assessed at baseline were age, sex, physician estimate of functionally significant disease, self‐reported functional status, and performance‐based hand function. Criterion variables collected at 2‐year follow‐up were level of care (independent/dependent) and survival (alive/dead). Self‐reported functional status (P < 0.01) and age (P < 0.05) were significant predictors of change in level of care in a logistic regression analysis containing all predictor variables. No variable predicted survival. Self‐reported functional status may help to predict dependency in older adults in good health who have few markers of dependency risk.