Higher Risk Of Institutionalization Research Articles

Diagnosis of behavioral symptoms as a predictor of institutionalization among Medicaid patients with dementia

ObjectivesBehavioral symptoms are commonly observed in the course of dementia. This study aimed to assess the association of the diagnosis of a cluster of behavioral symptoms (e.g., agitation, aggression, psychotic symptoms, and delirium/wandering) with the likelihood of subsequent institutionalization.MethodsA retrospective cohort study of adults aged 65 and above diagnosed with dementia identified in the IBM® MarketScan® Multistate Medicaid database between October 01, 2015, and September 30, 2019, was conducted. The index date was defined as the first diagnosis date of dementia. The presence or absence of behavioral symptoms was identified in the 6 months prior to the index date (baseline). Institutionalization was evaluated 12 months (follow-up) post the index date. The association between diagnosed behavioral symptoms during the baseline period and institutionalization in the follow-up period was assessed using a multivariable logistic regression, adjusting for baseline sociodemographic and clinical characteristics.ResultsThe study cohort included 40,714 patients with dementia. A diagnosis of behavioral symptoms was found among 2,067 (5.1%) patients during the baseline period. An increased likelihood of institutionalization was found during the follow-up among patients with agitation and aggression in baseline (OR = 1.51 (95% CI: 1.18–1.92)) compared to patients without these symptoms at baseline. Patients with psychotic symptoms in baseline had significantly higher odds of getting institutionalized during the follow-up compared to patients without psychotic symptoms in baseline (OR = 1.36 (95% CI: 1.20–1.54)). Similarly, patients with symptoms of delirium and wandering in baseline had a higher likelihood of institutionalization than patients without these symptoms at baseline (OR = 1.61 (95% CI: 1.30–1.99)).ConclusionSeveral diagnosed behavioral symptoms were associated with a higher risk of institutionalization among older adults with dementia and should be considered when planning treatment strategies for the effective management of the condition.

Age at Onset of Spinal Cord Injury is Associated With Increased Inpatient Care Needs, Reduced Independence at Discharge and a Higher Risk of Institutionalization After Primary Inpatient Rehabilitation.

To investigate the influence of age at onset of spinal cord injury on length of stay, inpatient therapy and nursing hours, independence at discharge and risk of institutionalization. Retrospective cohort study. A total of 250 patients with a newly acquired traumatic or non-traumatic spinal cord injury undergoing primary inpatient rehabilitation in a Swiss spinal cord injury specialized clinic between 2017 and 2019. Multiple regression analysis was used to determine if age, in addition to clinical characteristics (co-morbidities, secondary complications and spinal cord injury severity), affects inpatient rehabilitation parameters (length of stay, daily nursing hours and daily therapy hours), independence at discharge (Spinal Cord Independence Measure III) and place of discharge (private residence vs institution). Chronological age correlated with the number of co-morbidities and secondary complications. Older age was associated with increased daily nursing care and reduced independence at discharge. However, both were also influenced by co-morbidities, secondary complications and severity of spinal cord injury. Length of stay and daily therapy hours were age-independent. Odds for institutionalization after discharge increased significantly, by 1.03-fold per year of age. Age at onset of spinal cord injury predicted inpatient nursing care, independence at discharge and the risk of institutionalization after primary inpatient rehabilitation. Co-morbidities, secondary complications and severity of spinal cord injury were also important influencing factors.

Recuperación funcional al alta y a tres meses tras una intervención multicomponente de ejercicio físico en ancianos hospitalizados en una unidad de agudos de geriatría

IntroductionHospitalization in the elderly, even in short stays, is associated with functional impairment. Once the acute illness is reversed, the evolution of this hospital-generated impairment can be variable, and a year after hospitalization more than half of the elderly patients remain impaired. This impairment is associated with a higher risk of institutionalization, of mortality at discharge and of 30-day mortality. Previous studies have shown how interdisciplinary physical exercise programs can improve functionality at discharge and decrease mortality rate, hospital stay and institutionalization. Study design and objectivesIn the Acute Geriatric Unit of the Gregorio Marañon University hospital a randomized controlled trial was carried out to assess the effectiveness of an exercise and health education program to prevent functional decline during hospitalization and at three months after discharge in elderly subjects aged 74 years or older. Patients were excluded if at least one of the following exclusion criteria was met: baseline Barthel Index (15-days prior hospitalization) below 20, severe cognitive impairment or inability to walk. The intervention consisted on a physical exercise program (that included squats, balance, gait stimulation, elastic bands, and inspiratory muscle training) and health education program. The control group received usual care.

Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Impact of Delirium on Hospitalized Older Adults With Dementia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

High prevalence of delirium superimposed on dementia (DSD) was previously reported, with associated negative impact on hospitalized older adults. However, data were conflicting, and no meta-analysis has been conducted. Although dementia is the leading risk factor for delirium, risk factors for DSD have not been adequately studied. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to elucidate the prevalence, risk factors, and impact of DSD in hospitalized older adults. Comparisons were made between older adults with DSD and persons with dementia alone (PWDs). Systematic review and meta-analysis. Observational studies reporting prevalence, risk factors, or impact of DSD in hospitalized older adults. Database search was conducted till December 2020 in PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, ProQuest, and OpenGrey for relevant primary and secondary studies. A piloted data collection form was used for data extraction, and methodological quality was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklists. Meta-analyses, with risk ratio and mean differences as effect measures, were performed using random effects model with Review Manager software. Cochran's Q and I2 statistics were used to assess heterogeneity, which was investigated using subgroup analyses. A total of 81 studies were eligible. The pooled prevalence of DSD was 48.9%, with the highest prevalence found in the Americas and orthopedic wards. Risk factors, including nonmodifiable hospital-, illness-, and medication-related factors, were found to precipitate DSD. Patients with DSD had longer length of hospitalization, disclosed worse cognitive and functional outcomes, and a higher risk of institutionalization and mortality than patients with dementia. These findings suggested high prevalence and detrimental impact of DSD in hospitalized older adults, highlighting a need for early identification, prevention, and treatments. Further research on risk factors of DSD should be conducted as data were sparse and conflicting. Future high-quality studies regarding DSD are warranted to improve knowledge of this common but under-recognized phenomenon.

Subjective and objective health predicting mortality and institutionalization: an 18-year population-based follow-up study among community-dwelling Finnish older adults

BackgroundObjective health measures, such as registered illnesses or frailty, predict mortality and institutionalization in older adults. Also, self-reported assessment of health by simple self-rated health (SRH) has been shown to predict mortality and institutionalization. The aim of this study was to assess the association of objective and subjective health with mortality and institutionalization in Finnish community-dwelling older adults.MethodsIn this prospective study with 10- and 18-year follow-ups, objective health was measured by registered illnesses and subjective health was evaluated by simple SRH, self-reported walking ability (400 m) and self-reported satisfaction in life. The participants were categorized into four groups according to their objective and subjective health: 1. subjectively and objectively healthy, 2. subjectively healthy and objectively unhealthy, 3. subjectively unhealthy and objectively healthy and 4. subjectively and objectively unhealthy. Cox regression model was used in the analyses. Death was used as a competing factor in the institutionalization analyses.ResultsThe mean age of the participants (n = 1259) was 73.5 years (range 64.0–100.0). During the 10- and 18-year follow-ups, 466 (37%) and 877 (70%) died, respectively. In the institutionalization analyses (n = 1106), 162 (15%) and 328 (30%) participants were institutionalized during the 10- and 18-year follow-ups, respectively. In both follow-ups, being subjectively and objectively unhealthy, compared to being subjectively and objectively healthy, was significantly associated with a higher risk of institutionalization in unadjusted models and with death both in unadjusted and adjusted models.ConclusionsThe categorization of objective and subjective health into four health groups was good at predicting the risk of death during 10- and 18-year follow-ups, and seemed to also predict the risk of institutionalization in the unadjusted models during both follow-ups. Poor subjective health had an additive effect on poor objective health in predicting mortality and could therefore be used as part of an older individual’s health evaluation when screening for future adverse outcomes.

Multimorbidity Patterns and 6-Year Risk of Institutionalization in Older Persons: The Role of Social Formal and Informal Care

ObjectivesThe aim was to evaluate patterns of multimorbidity that increase the risk of institutionalization in older persons, also exploring the potential buffering effect of formal and informal care. DesignProspective cohort study. Setting and ParticipantsThe population-based Swedish National study on Aging and Care in Kungsholmen, Stockholm, Sweden. MeasuresIn total, 2571 community-dwelling older adults were grouped at baseline according to their underlying multimorbidity patterns, using a fuzzy c-means cluster algorithm, and followed up for 6 years to test the association between multimorbidity patterns and institutionalization. ResultsSix patterns of multimorbidity were identified: psychiatric diseases; cardiovascular diseases, anemia, and dementia; metabolic and sleep disorders; sensory impairments and cancer; musculoskeletal, respiratory, and gastrointestinal diseases; and an unspecific pattern including diseases of which none were overrepresented. In total, 110 (4.3%) participants were institutionalized during the follow-up, ranging from 1.7% in the metabolic and sleep disorders pattern to 8.4% in the cardiovascular diseases, anemia, and dementia pattern. Compared with the unspecific pattern, only the cardiovascular diseases, anemia, dementia pattern was significantly associated with institutionalization [relative risk ratio (RRR) = 2.23; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.07‒4.65)], after adjusting for demographic characteristics and disability status at baseline. In stratified analyses, those not receiving formal care in the psychiatric diseases pattern (RRR 3.34; 95% CI 1.20‒9.32) and those not receiving formal or informal care in the ‘cardiovascular diseases, anemia, dementia’ pattern (RRR 2.99; 95% CI 1.20‒7.46; RRR 2.79; 95% CI 1.16‒6.71, respectively) had increased risks of institutionalization. Conclusions and ImplicationsOlder persons suffering from specific multimorbidity patterns have a higher risk of institutionalization, especially if they lack formal or informal care. Interventions aimed at preventing the clustering of diseases could reduce the associated burden on residential long-term care. Formal and informal care provision may be effective strategies in reducing the risk of institutionalization.

Influence of Frailty on Outcome in Older Patients Undergoing Non-Cardiac Surgery - A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Frailty is increasingly recognized as a better predictor of adverse postoperative events than chronological age. The objective of this review was to systematically evaluate the effect of frailty on postoperative morbidity and mortality. Studies were included if patients underwent non-cardiac surgery and if frailty was measured by a validated instrument using physical, cognitive and functional domains. A systematic search was performed using EMBASE, MEDLINE, Web of Science, CENTRAL and PubMed from 1990 - 2017. Methodological quality was assessed using an assessment tool for prognosis studies. Outcomes were 30-day mortality and complications, one-year mortality, postoperative delirium and discharge location. Meta-analyses using random effect models were performed and presented as pooled risk ratios with confidence intervals and prediction intervals. We included 56 studies involving 1.106.653 patients. Eleven frailty assessment tools were used. Frailty increases risk of 30-day mortality (31 studies, 673.387 patients, risk ratio 3.71 [95% CI 2.89-4.77] (PI 1.38-9.97; I2=95%) and 30-day complications (37 studies, 627.991 patients, RR 2.39 [95% CI 2.02-2.83). Risk of 1-year mortality was threefold higher (six studies, 341.769 patients, RR 3.40 [95% CI 2.42-4.77]). Four studies (N=438) reported on postoperative delirium. Meta-analysis showed a significant increased risk (RR 2.13 [95% CI 1.23-3.67). Finally, frail patients had a higher risk of institutionalization (10 studies, RR 2.30 [95% CI 1.81- 2.92]). Frailty is strongly associated with risk of postoperative complications, delirium, institutionalization and mortality. Preoperative assessment of frailty can be used as a tool for patients and doctors to decide who benefits from surgery and who doesn’t.

MOVING TOWARD BEST PRACTICES IN STATE APPROACHES TO SUPPORTING FAMILY CAREGIVERS OF OLDER ADULTS

In January 2018, Congress passed the Recognize, Assist, Include, Support, and Engage (RAISE) Family Caregivers Act to establish a national strategy to acknowledge and assist family caregivers. The success of such an effort will be contingent on knowledge and dissemination of best practices. We conducted a policy project funded by the Milbank Memorial Fund that profiles five geographically and politically diverse states that have pursued novel approaches to supporting family and unpaid caregivers of older adults. We discuss findings from national and state reports, state aging plans, and interviews with 26 key informants. We find that each state (Hawaii, Maine, Minnesota, Tennessee, Washington) sought to strengthen supports for family caregivers as an element of broader community-based long-term services and supports strategies. Supports for family caregivers included financial support for working caregivers, caregiver assessment and care planning, and expanded access to respite care: several states included these services within programs targeted to persons at high risk of institutionalization or Medicaid-entry. Key informants noted the importance of tailoring programs to suit each state’s unique demographic, geographic, and service delivery context, and reported that individual stories, advocacy, and data were critical to placing family caregiving on legislative policy agendas. State leaders highlighted the pivotal role of state aging networks in efforts to supporting caregivers, given these entities’ deep knowledge of local community needs and challenges and established relationships with local service providers. Meaningful change often required a long-term commitment and sustained incrementalism, typically by innovating on a smaller scale before expanding statewide.

The importance of increased awareness for delirium in elderly patients with rib fractures after blunt chest wall trauma: a retrospective cohort study on risk factors and outcomes

BackgroundRib fractures are common in ageing people after trauma and delirium is a complication often seen in acutely hospitalized elderly patients. For both conditions, elderly have an increased risk for institutionalization, morbidity, and mortality. This study is the first to investigate risk factors of delirium in elderly patients with rib fractures after trauma.MethodsA retrospective chart review was performed on patients ≥65 years admitted with rib fractures after blunt chest wall trauma to the Amphia hospital Breda, the Netherlands, between July 2013 and June 2018. Baseline patient, trauma- and treatment-related characteristics were identified. The main objectives were identification of risk factors of delirium and investigation of the effect of delirium on outcomes after rib fractures. Outcomes were additional complications, length of hospital stay, need for institutionalization and mortality within six months.ResultsForty-seven (24.6%) of 191 patients developed a delirium. Independent risk factors for delirium were increased age, physical impairment (lower KATZ-ADL score), nutritional impairment (higher SNAQ score) and the need for a urinary catheter, with odds ratios of 1.07, 0.78, 1.53 and 8.53 respectively. Overall, more complications were observed in patients with delirium. Median ICU and hospital length of stay were 4 and 7 days respectively, of which the latter was significantly longer for delirious patients (p < 0.001). Significantly more patients with delirium were discharged to a nursing home or rehabilitation institution (p < 0.001). The 6-month mortality in delirious patients was nearly twice as high as in non-delirious patients; however, differences did not reach statistical significance.ConclusionDelirium in elderly patients with rib fractures is a serious and common complication, with a longer hospital stay and a higher risk of institutionalization as a consequence. Increased awareness for delirium is imperative, most importantly in older patients, in physically or nutritionally impaired patients and in patients in need of a urinary catheter.

Institutionalization risk and costs associated with agitation in Alzheimer's disease

IntroductionAgitation in individuals with Alzheimer's disease (AD) may predict institutionalization. This study assessed the incremental risk and costs associated with agitation in individuals with AD. MethodsA retrospective analysis of the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center Uniform Data Set (June 2005–February 2018) was conducted. Incremental risk of institutionalization associated with agitation was estimated and used with the number of institutionalized individuals with AD and agitation and costs of living by residential setting in the United States (literature-based), to estimate incremental institutionalization costs. ResultsThe analysis included 11,348 individuals with AD: 6603 (58.2%) with and 4745 (41.8%) without agitation. Compared with individuals without agitation, those with agitation were 20% more likely to be institutionalized (odds ratio = 1.20; 95% CI = 1.08–1.33). Total incremental cost of institutionalization associated with agitation was $4.3 billion ($50,588/individual). DiscussionAgitation is associated with a higher risk of institutionalization among patients with AD, which translates into a substantial economic burden.

Osteosarcopenia: where bone, muscle, and fat collide.

As the world's population ages, the prevalence of chronic diseases increases. Sarcopenia and osteoporosis are two conditions that are associated with aging, with similar risk factors that include genetics, endocrine function, and mechanical factors. Additionally, bone and muscle closely interact with each other not only anatomically, but also chemically and metabolically. Fat infiltration, a phenomenon observed in age-related bone and muscle loss, is highly prevalent and more severe in sarcopenic and osteoporotic subjects. Clinically, when individuals suffer a combination of both disorders, negative outcomes such as falls, fractures, loss of function, frailty, and mortality increase, thus generating significant personal and socio-economic costs. Therefore, it is suggested that when bone mineral density loss is synchronic with decreased muscle mass, strength, and function, it should be interpreted as a single diagnosis of osteosarcopenia, which may be preventable and treatable. Simple interventions such as resistance training, adequate protein and calcium dietary intake, associated with maintenance of appropriate levels of vitamin D, have a dual positive effect on bone and muscle, reducing falls, fractures, and, consequently, disability. It is essential that fracture prevention approaches-including postfracture management-involve assessment and treatment of both osteoporosis and sarcopenia. This is of particular importance as in older persons the combination of osteopenia/osteoporosis and sarcopenia has been proposed as a subset of frailer individuals at higher risk of institutionalization, falls, and fractures. This review summarizes osteosarcopenia epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, outcomes, and managementstrategies.

Intensive case management (ICM) project in eastern lower Austria: A description

IntroductionOur ICM Project was implemented in 2012, with the primary objective of preventing hospitalizations and unburdening services. Here, we present a description.ObjectivesICM is a type of multi-professional assertive community treatment (ACT) and case management, although our concept has a stronger focus on social work than ACT and uses less resources. It aims at patient's stabilization at home, better life quality, less inpatient/residential treatments, and more access to crisis intervention.MethodsPresently we have 118 spots. Target groups are persons with severe psychiatric conditions at high risk for institutionalization or already institutionalized, including heavy users of mental health services. An initial eligibility assessment is required. At least 3 workers are providing a minimum of 2 h face-to-face contact per week per person. Care is offered predominantly at home environment and anchored in: careful distance-closeness ratio, structured and restructuring, autonomy enhancing, respectful, non-judgmental, confidential, regularity and commitment. Each treatment plan is individualized and based on two axes: intensive assistance and day-structure. It comprises comprehensive psychiatric treatment, counselling, assistance in everyday life, support groups, crisis management and interdisciplinary organizational meetings.ResultsThe program was evaluated in 2014 using the CANSAS and FLZ scales and its effectiveness was validated. Most significant improvements were found in day-structure, housing, social contacts and performance, nutrition, and psycho-education. Life satisfaction improvement was found mostly in areas of general health, performance, relaxation and autonomy.ConclusionsSince its implementation ICM has steadily expanded. Further research tools are currently being developed. Results will be presented in future publications.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Diabetes-Associated Factors as Predictors of Nursing Home Admission and Costs in the Elderly Across Europe

ObjectiveTo identify the main factors associated with the use of nursing home facilities and to calculate their costs among older people with diabetes in Europe. MethodsThe sample included 48,464 individuals aged 50 years and older in 12 European countries participating in the Survey of Health, Aging, and Retirement in Europe study from 2004 to 2010. Cost data were obtained from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development and the World Bank. Logit regressions were used to assess the impact of diabetes, comorbidities, and functional status on the frequency of nursing home admission. Etiologic fractions were calculated to obtain the nursing home costs attributable to diabetes and its clinical and functional complications. ResultsDiabetes is a predictor for institutionalization. When adjusted for clinical and functional complications, impairment of physical function [mild: odds ratio (OR) 3.27; 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.60–4.19; moderate: OR 8.48, 95% CI 6.02–13.09; severe: OR 12.53, 95% CI 8.03–19.98] and cognition (OR 2.00, 95% CI 1.60–2.68), as well as stroke (OR 2.08, 95% CI 1.61–2.80) showed the strongest association with increased risk of institutionalization. Moreover, this relationship between diabetes, function, and cost was age-dependent, increasing as people get older. Total average nursing home costs incurred by patients with diabetes reached nearly US $13/capita, ranging between countries from US $61 to $0.5. Diabetes-related complications accounted for one-third of these costs (US $4) and, of these, 78% resulted from functional impairment. ConclusionsDiabetes is associated with higher risk of institutionalization even after adjusting for complications. Among them, functional impairment explains the major part of the association between diabetes and nursing home admission and leads to increasing costs.

LO023: Association between ED-induced delirium and cognitive &amp; functional decline in seniors

Introduction: Delirium is a common medical complication among seniors in hospital setting. In the emergency department (ED), its prevalence varies between 7 &amp; 14%. Delirium is associated with increased mortality &amp; longer hospital stay. This condition is also associated with functional &amp; cognitive decline in hospitalized seniors and higher risk of institutionalization up to 2 years after their discharge. However, no data is currently available for ED patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between ED-induced delirium and functional &amp; cognitive decline in seniors at 60 days. Methods: This study is part of the Incidence and Impact measurement of Delirium Induced by ED-Stay (INDEED) study, an ongoing multicenter prospective cohort study in 5 Quebec EDs. Patients were recruited after 8 hours in the ED and followed up to 24h after admission. A 60-day follow-up phone assessment was also conducted. Delirium was measured by the validated Confusion Assessment Method &amp; the Delirium Index. Functional status was measured by the validated OARS. Cognitive status was measured using the validated TICS-M. Functional and cognitive decline were obtained by comparing the baseline and 60-days follow-up scores. Results: 380 seniors were recruited and 280 had 60-day follow-up data available. ED-induced delirium was 8.4% of seniors. There was a difference in mean functional decline among seniors with and without ED-induced delirium 2.95(1.23-4.67) vs 1.55(1.20-1.91, pwlicoxon= 0.05] Proportion of seniors showing a decline ≥2 points on the OARS was significantly higher In those with ED-induced delirium (65,0 % vs 40.18 %, p=0.03). Seniors with ED-induced delirium also showed a significant decline in mean TICS scores [3.31 (0,82-5.84) vs -0.01((-.071-0.75)), pwlicoxon =0.009]. There was no significant difference in the proportions of seniors showing a decline ≥ 3 OARS points between those with or without delirium (p=0.06). Conclusion: ED-induced delirium seems to be associated with poor functional and cognitive outcomes in older patients 60 days after discharge from the hospital. Further studies are required to confirm clinical importance ED-induced delirium delayed complication.

The effects of state-level expenditures for home- and community-based services on the risk of becoming a long-stay nursing home resident after hip fracture.

This study measures the effect of spending policies for long-term care services on the risk of becoming a long-stay nursing home resident after a hip fracture. Relative spending on community-based services may reduce the risk of long-term nursing home residence. Policies favoring alternative sources of care may provide opportunities for older adults to remain community-bound. This study aims to understand how long-term care policies affect outcomes by investigating the effect of state-level spending for home- and community-based services (HCBSs) on the likelihood of an individual's nursing home placement following hip fracture. This study uses data from the 5% sample of Medicare beneficiaries from 2005 to 2010 to identify incident hip fractures among dual-eligibility, community-dwelling adults aged at least 65 years. A multilevel generalized estimating equation (GEE) model estimated the association between an individual's risk of nursing home residence within 1 year and the percent of states' Medicaid long-term support service (LTSS) budget allocated to HCBS. Other covariates included expenditures for Title III services and individual demographic and health status characteristics. States vary considerably in HCBS spending, ranging from 17.7 to 83.8% of the Medicaid LTSS budget in 2009. Hip fractures were observed from claims among 7778 beneficiaries; 34% were admitted to a nursing home and 25% died within 1 year. HCBS spending was associated with a decreased risk of nursing home residence by 0.17 percentage points (p 0.056). Consistent with other studies, our findings suggest that state policies favoring an emphasis on HCBS may reduce nursing home residence among low-income older adults with hip fracture who are at high risk for institutionalization.

Characteristics of Older Georgians Receiving Older Americans Act Nutrition Program Services and Other Home- and Community-Based Services: Findings from the Georgia Aging Information Management System (GA AIMS)

This descriptive study examined characteristics of older Georgians receiving Older Americans Act Nutrition Program Services and other home- and community-based services (HCBS) using state aging administrative data (N = 31,341, mean age: 76.6 ± 9.2 y, 71.2% female, 52.3% White). Home-delivered meals (HDM) was used most frequently. The characteristics of older Georgian HCBS participants varied by the type and number of HCBS received. Those receiving HDM and other in-home and caregiving services were more likely to show poorer sociodemographic, economic, and functional characteristics, and food insecurity. Those receiving multiple HCBS were most vulnerable, but showed lower level of food insecurity than those receiving single HCBS, suggesting potential combined benefits of receiving multiple programs. This study underscores the importance of documenting dynamic needs for HCBS, especially HDM, among vulnerable older adults as part of standard administrative process to identify those at high risk of institutionalization, optimize HCBS delivery and coordination, and maximize HCBS benefits.

Phenotype of Osteosarcopenia in Older Individuals With a History of Falling

ObjectivesIn older persons, the combination of osteopenia/osteoporosis and sarcopenia has been proposed as a subset of frailer individuals at higher risk of institutionalization, falls, and fractures. However, the particular clinical, biochemical, and functional characteristics of the osteosarcopenic (OS) patients remain unknown. In this study, we used a clinical definition of osteosarcopenia aiming to determine the clinical, functional, and biochemical features that are unique to these patients within a population of older people who fall. DesignCross-sectional study. SettingFalls and Fractures Clinic, Nepean Hospital (Penrith, NSW, Australia). ParticipantsA total of 680 people (mean age = 79, 65% women) assessed between 2009 and 2013. MeasurementsAssessment included medical history, physical examination, bone densitometry and body composition by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, posturography, grip strength, gait parameters (GaitRITE), and blood tests for nutrition and secondary causes of sarcopenia and osteoporosis. Patients were divided into 4 groups: (1) osteopenic (BMD <–1.0 SD), (2) sarcopenic, (3) OS, and (4) nonsarcopenic/nonosteopenic. Difference between groups was assessed with 1-way ANOVA and χ2 analysis. Multivariable linear regression evaluated the association between the groups and measures of physical function. Multivariable logistic regression evaluated risk factors for being in the OS group. ResultsMean age of the OS patients was 80.4 ± 7.0 years. Our analyses showed that OS patients are older, mostly women, are at high risk for depression and malnutrition, have body mass index lower than 25, and showed a higher prevalence of peptic disease, inflammatory arthritis, maternal hip fracture, history of atraumatic fracture, and impaired mobility. ConclusionWe have reported a set of characteristics that are highly prevalent in OS patients. This study could be used to inform the design of future trials and to develop interventions to prevent institutionalization and poor outcomes in this particular set of high-risk patients.

Screening for markers of frailty and perceived risk of adverse outcomes using the Risk Instrument for Screening in the Community (RISC).

BackgroundFunctional decline and frailty are common in community dwelling older adults, increasing the risk of adverse outcomes. Given this, we investigated the prevalence of frailty-associated risk factors and their distribution according to the severity of perceived risk in a cohort of community dwelling older adults, using the Risk Instrument for Screening in the Community (RISC).MethodsA cohort of 803 community dwelling older adults were scored for frailty by their public health nurse (PHN) using the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) and for risk of three adverse outcomes: i) institutionalisation, ii) hospitalisation and iii) death, within the next year, from one (lowest) to five (highest) using the RISC. Prior to scoring, PHNs stated whether they regarded patients as frail.ResultsThe median age of patients was 80 years (interquartile range 10), of whom 64% were female and 47.4% were living alone. The median Abbreviated Mental Test Score (AMTS) was 10 (0) and Barthel Index was 18/20 (6). PHNs regarded 42% of patients as frail, while the CFS categorized 54% (scoring ≥5) as frail. Dividing patients into low-risk (score one or two), medium-risk (score three) and high-risk (score four or five) using the RISC showed that 4.3% were considered high risk of institutionalization, 14.5% for hospitalization, and 2.7% for death, within one year of the assessment. There were significant differences in median CFS (4/9 versus 6/9 versus 6/9, p < 0.001), Barthel Index (18/20 versus 11/20 versus 14/20, p < 0.001) and mean AMTS scores (9.51 versus 7.57 versus 7.00, p < 0.001) between those considered low, medium and high risk of institutionalisation respectively. Differences were also statistically significant for hospitalisation and death. Age, gender and living alone were inconsistently associated with perceived risk. Frailty most closely correlated with functional impairment, r = −0.80, p < 0.001.ConclusionThe majority of patients in this community sample were perceived to be low risk for adverse outcomes. Frailty, cognitive impairment and functional status were markers of perceived risk. Age, gender and social isolation were not and may not be useful indicators when triaging community dwellers. The RISC now requires validation against adverse outcomes.

Dementia Patients With Behavioral Disturbances: Current Treatment Strategies

Behavioral symptoms of dementia are associated with accelerated cognitive decline, increased functional impairment, decreased mean survival time, increased co-morbid conditions, and increased danger to self and others. They lead to increased health care service utilization, higher risk of institutionalization and greater caregiver stress and burden. Eighty to 90% of patients with dementia exhibit behavioral symptoms over the course of the illness, and such symptoms are prevalent in community and long-term care settings.

The Orthogeriatrics Model of Care: Systematic Review of Predictors of Institutionalization and Mortality in Post-Hip Fracture Patients and Evidence for Interventions

Hip fracture is a common serious complication of osteoporosis, which is associated with high morbidity and mortality. In nursing home residents, incidence rates of hip fractures are at least twice to three times higher than in community-dwellers of the same age and sex. Older adults with hip fracture have a 5- to 8-fold increased risk for all-cause mortality and much higher risk of institutionalization. Therefore, interventions to prevent institutionalization, prevent a second fracture in institutionalized patients, and decrease mortality after a hip fracture are highly needed. The orthogeriatrics model of care is a shared-care approach to patients after suffering a hip fracture. This program, which has been studied in models run by geriatricians with the assistance of a multidisciplinary team, includes a comprehensive medical and nursing admission assessment focusing on the patient's premorbid function, cognition, comorbidities, and risks is followed by a comprehensive care plan design. This systematic review describes and analyzes the interrelation between hip fracture and nursing home placement taking into consideration those evidence-based interventions to prevent later complications and future institutionalization.