Complexity in geriatric home healthcare.
The aging population and the associated rise in the prevalence of chronic conditions suggest that the home health population is increasingly complex and challenging to manage. The purpose of this study was to use national administrative data (Outcome and Assessment Information Set assessments of persons discharged in 2004 and 2005) to examine the clinical complexity of older adults admitted to home healthcare. Our descriptive analyses confirm that multiple chronic conditions and cognitive impairment are common and result in longer lengths of stay. The findings support the need for geriatric home healthcare practices that effectively address multiple morbidities and cognitive function.
Visiting Nurse Service of New York, Center for Home Care Policy and Research, New York, NY, USA. chris.murtaugh@vnsny.org
Christopher
C
Murtaugh
Timothy
T
Peng
Annette
A
Totten
Beth
B
Costello
Stanley
S
Moore
Hakan
H
Aykan
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005851:Geriatric Nursing; D006699:Home Care Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D008875:Middle Aged; D014481:United States