Predictors Of Nursing Home Admission
Researchers have been studying for decades as to what the predictors of nursing home admissions are. While a lot of research has been done on patients suffering from dementia, no research was conducted until recently on seniors who developed dementia after being admitted into nursing home. One such research studied data of seniors who were 75 years or more and were without dementia. The research was conducted over a period of 1.4 years, during which the participants were interviewed. |
The research found physical ailments, psychiatric problems and living on their own were some of the major reasons for nursing home admissions among the participants. It was found that many seniors ended up in nursing homes because of advancing age, functional impairment, depression, strokes, heart ailments, cognitive impairment and because home care was not up to the mark.
Some of the predictors of nursing home admission are as follows:
Many seniors have some type of disability or impairment that restricts them from performing daily living activities. In such a case, it is best for such seniors to enter into a nursing home where things like dressing, bathing, eating, using the bathroom, walking and personal hygiene will be taken care of. This is especially true for seniors who are immobile and are dependent on others for everyday activities.
Then there are seniors who are up and about, but have problems with their grocery shopping, cooking of meals or taking their medication on time. Such seniors would also be better off in a nursing home. This is especially true for seniors who have early stages of Alzheimer’s disease and find it difficult to remember things pertaining to their medication and finances. These seniors are their worst enemies.
There are also those that suffer from age-related dementia. Such seniors have cognitive impairment. As dementia is a progressive disease, these seniors will get worse with time. Hence, when the disease begins to affect their abilities, behavior and poses an obstacle in their day to day living, it is time for them to enter a nursing home. Many people with dementia have serious behavioral problems and also have the tendency of wandering off. Caregivers may not be able to handle these behavioral issues, and hence, it would be better for the senior to live in an environment that can handle and cope with their medical and behavioral issues.
While most family members feel guilty about putting their loved ones in a nursing home, at times it is a necessity. Often caregivers get overwhelmed with their duties and they get stressed out. If the health of the caregiver deteriorates, they will not be able to provide the level of care that the senior deserves. In such a situation, it is best for the caregiver as well as the senior that they be sent to a nursing home.
More Articles :
BMC Health Services Research: Predictors of Nursing Home Admission of Individuals Without a Dementia Diagnosis Before Admission
https://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-6963/10/186
Emeritus Senior Living: What Are the Predictors of Nursing Home Admission?
https://www.emeritus.com/elder-care-resources/faq/what-are-the-predictors-of-nursing-home-admission
|
Just because someone is old and requires help with daily living activities, it is not necessary to put the person into a nursing home. There are alternatives to nursing homes which family members should explore before making a decision. The decision should be based on the health of the person, lifestyle, age, and whether the person requires any special type of medical care.