Factors influencing transition to care homes for people with dementia in Northern Ireland

Abstract

Introduction: The increasing number of people with dementia (PwD) is a significant health and financial challenge for countries. PwD often transition to a care home. This study explored factors predicting transition to care homes for PwD and the place and causes of death. Methods: Data about dementia medication, care home transitions, demographic characteristics, deaths, and hospital admissions were extracted from national databases from 2010 to 2016. Results: PwD (n = 25,418) were identified through prescriptions of dementia medication, from which 11,930 transitioned to care homes. A logistic regression showed that increased age, female sex, living in less deprived and urban areas, and hospital admissions predicted this transition. PwD who transition to care homes are more likely to die there. The most common cause of death was dementia. Discussion: Certain demographic characteristics are significant predictors for care home transitions and they should be considered in the development of early community-based care services to delay transitions. In the last decades, dementia has been reported more frequently in death certificates.