In conclusion, the present study showed the significant associations between depressive
state and impaired higher-level functional capacity among people requiring long-term care.
Preventing depression may contribute to not only depressive state but also higher-level func-
tional capacity. Finally, by helping to identify an at-risk subgroup of elderly patient, our results
could lead to the possibility of identifying any decline of higher-level functional capacity; there-
fore, appropriate interventions could be introduced earlier, thereby preventing unnecessary
sequelae.