Factors Associated with Early Demise in Nursing Home Residents: A Case Control Study

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Abstract
A case-contaol study was performed to identify factors differentiating nursing home residents who die within 12 mo. of admission (decedents) and those who survive for at least 4 yr (survivors). Using Tennessee Medicaid data, 49 decedent/survival pairs admitted during the same year were matched for age, race, sex, nursing home and diagnosis. There were no significant differences between the decedent and survivor groups in demographic factors, sensory impairments, physical handicaps or number of drugs prescribed. Assessments of the ability to perform activities of daily living were found to be strongly associated with survival, providing a valuable prognostic tool. Apparently, personnel providing care for patients of advanced age would benefit from instruction in making such assessments.