Abstract
Background: Planning services for elderly is imperative with the increasing elderly population and high utility of residential care facilities. Methods: Descriptive study of patients living at home discharged from hospital to residential care from 1st January 2012 to 30th June 2012. To assess aspects of hospital management particularly Vitamin D prescription and medications. InterRAI assessments and electronic clinical records were retrospectively reviewed. Results: 67 patients median age 86. Half lived alone, but most had carers. They had limited independence. 64 % were confused during admission. Almost half were discharged to the highest level residential care. One year mortality was 43 %. Diagnosis of confusion, polypharmacy management and considering Vitamin D supplementation could be improved. Conclusion: Patients are highly dependent for activities of daily living and require planned support for their health care needs. They suffer from polypharmacy, are susceptible to confusion which is often undiagnosed, and have a high mortality rate post discharge.
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Key Points
• Patients admitted from home and discharged to residential care are a vulnerable group requiring further study to plan services for older patients.
• At least half of these patients live alone and depend on carer input, which includes family members.
• These patients suffer from polypharmacy, are susceptible to confusion which is often undiagnosed and have a high mortality rate post discharge.
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Rawcliffe, N., Mogos, A. & Teo, S.P. Entry into Residential Care After Discharge from Hospital. Ageing Int 41, 139–149 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12126-015-9236-0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12126-015-9236-0