Falls, Depression, and Other Hospitalization Risk Factors for Adults in Residential Care Facilities

• Published in: International journal of aging & human development Vol. 83; no. 1; pp. 44 - 62
• Main Authors: Gimm, Gilbert W., Kitsantas, Panagiota
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Los Angeles, CA SAGE Publications 01.06.2016; Baywood Publishing Co., Inc
• Subjects: Accidental Falls - statistics & numerical data; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Assisted Living Facilities - statistics & numerical data; Dementia; Dementia - epidemiology; Depression - epidemiology; Falls; Female; Hospitalization; Hospitalization - statistics & numerical data; Humans; Long term health care; Male; Mental depression; Mental disorders; Middle Aged; Nursing homes; Older people; Physicians; Residential institutions; Risk Factors; United States - epidemiology; Well being; assisted living; falls; depression; residential care; hospitalization
• ISSN: 0091-4150; 1541-3535
• DOI: 10.1177/0091415016645347

Prior research has shown a relationship between falls, hospitalizations, and depression among older adults in nursing home settings, but few studies have explored these relationships for younger and older adults in residential care facilities. This study examined risk factors for hospitalizations among assisted living residents. Using the 2010 National Survey of Residential Care Facilities, the study found that 24% of residents had a hospital stay in the past year. Residents with falls were more than twice as likely to have a hospitalization. For younger residents, depression was a key risk factor (OR = 1.74, p < .01). However, older residents with dementia had a lower risk of hospitalization (OR = 0.71, p < .01). More attention is needed to prevent falls and identify residents with depression and severe mental illness, who are at greater risk of hospitalization. Reducing avoidable hospitalizations can improve well-being for older and younger adults in residential care facilities.