Predictors of nursing home placement among elderly public housing residents

Abstract

This study examines risk factors for nursing home placement among elderly residents of public housing. Data on residents of six urban public housing developments for elderly persons (weighted n = 881) were analyzed by using logistic regression procedures to determine the predictors of nursing home placement during a 28-month period. Four baseline indicators of need were identified: greater impairment in instrumental activities of daily living, cognitive disorder, high scores on the General Health Questionnaire, and psychotic disorder. Thus, functional status and mental morbidity are major contributors to nursing home placement in this setting.