Journal of the American Medical Directors Association
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To investigate the time from symptom onset to institutionalization in persons with young-onset dementia (YOD) and compare these findings with late-onset dementia (LOD), and to determine which factors predict institutionalization in persons with YOD compared with LOD. ⋯ Patients with YOD are cared for at home for a longer period than patients with LOD. The results of this study underline the importance of a timely diagnosis for these patients and their families to facilitate the initiation of appropriate care and support. Support programs aimed at enhancing the caregivers' sense of competence and ability to deal with neuropsychiatric symptoms, especially apathy, may postpone the institutionalization of the patient.
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When reactivations of chronic diseases cannot be managed at home, postacute intermediate-care geriatric units (ICGUs) might provide adequate and specialized support to primary care, based on comprehensive geriatric assessment and rehabilitation. ⋯ From our preliminary results, direct admission to geriatric intermediate care units might represent a potential alternative to acute hospitalization for selected older patients.
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Comparative Study
Comparisons between older men and women in the trajectory and burden of disability over the course of nearly 14 years.
Across the life span, women live longer than men but experience higher rates of disability. To more completely evaluate these gender differences, the current study set out to compare the trajectories and burden of disability over an extended period between older men and women. ⋯ Gender differences in disability over an extended period can be explained, at least in part, by the higher mortality experienced by older men and the higher initial levels of disability among older women. These results suggest the need to take a life-course approach to better understand gender differences in disability.
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Among hospice patients who lived in nursing homes, we sought to: (1) report trends in hospice use over time, (2) describe factors associated with very long hospice stays (>6 months), and (3) describe hospice utilization patterns. ⋯ Any policy proposals that impact the hospice benefit in nursing homes should take into account the difficulty in predicting the clinical course of these patients, varying utilization patterns and transitions across settings, and the importance of supporting multiple approaches for delivery of palliative care in this setting.