Cognitively impaired older adults: risk profiles for institutionalization.
BACKGROUND
This study focused on the identification of risk profiles for institutionalization among older adults diagnosed with cognitive impairment-not dementia or dementia in 1991/92 and subsequent institutionalization in the following 5-year period.


METHODS
Data were from a sample of 123 individuals aged 65+ and their unpaid caregivers in Manitoba, Canada. Cluster analysis was conducted using baseline characteristics of age, cognition, disruptive behaviors, ADLs/IADLs, use of formal in-home services, and level of caregiver burden.


RESULTS
Three distinct groups emerged (high risk [n = 12], medium risk [n = 40], and low risk [n = 71]). The high-risk group had the poorest cognitive scores, were the most likely to exhibit disruptive behaviors, were the most likely to need assistance with ADLs and IADLs, and had the highest level of burden among their caregivers. Follow-up of the groups validated the risk profiles; 75% of the high-risk group were institutionalized within the next 5 years, compared to 45% of the medium-risk group and 21% of the low-risk group.


CONCLUSIONS
The risk profiles highlight the diversity among individuals with cognitive impairment and the opportunity for differential targeting of services for the distinct needs of each group.
Centre on Aging, and Department of Sociology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada. laurel.strain@ualberta.ca
Laurel A
LA
Strain
Audrey A
AA
Blandford
Lori A
LA
Mitchell
Pamela G
PG
Hawranik
D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000145:classification; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D016000:Cluster Analysis; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D017281:Cost of Illness; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006707:Homes for the Aged / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007326:Institutionalization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D016013:Likelihood Functions; D008297:Male; D008350:Manitoba / Q000453:epidemiology; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008609:Mental Status Schedule / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D020380:Needs Assessment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D009735:Nursing Homes / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011594:Psychometrics; D012306:Risk; D012920:Social Behavior Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology