Factors contributing to dying at home in elderly patients who received home care service

Abstract

This study examine whether around-the-clock medical support is a contributing factor to dying at home, and also tried to identify other such factors. Visiting nursing records of 81 elderly patients who died at home or in hospital after receiving home care at two facilities, one with and one without 24-hour medical support respectively were examined retrospectively. The subjects were divided into two groups: those who died at home and those who died in a hospital or nursing home. The two groups were compared in terms of clinical and sociodemographic characteristics and preferences for dying at home, expressed by patients, families and medical staff. Those who died at home showed a significantly higher rate of total dependence (84.6% vs. 48.1%) at month before death. Dying at home was significantly more preferred by all patients, families and medical staff. The major reason for hospitalization was rapid deterioration of the patients' condition. The facility with around-the-clock medical service had a higher rate of dying at home (42% vs. 27%, p = 0.18). Also, patients, families, and medical staff associated with their facility showed a higher preference for dying at home. We concluded from the above that the contributing factors for dying at home are: 1) total dependence level of ADL at one month before the death, and 2) preference for dying at home expressed by the patient, family and medical staff. This study suggests 24-hour medical support should be a requirement for in-home terminal care. Supporting advice from the staff to the family seems to be another contributing factor.