The journals of gerontology. Series A, Biological sciences and medical sciences
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J. Gerontol. A Biol. Sci. Med. Sci. · Mar 2009
Comparative StudyHospitalizations at the end of life among long-term care residents.
Concerns have been raised over transfers into acute care hospitals at the end of life. The objective of this study was to examine (a) the extent of and (b) factors related to hospitalization in the last 180 days before death among long-term care (LTC) residents. ⋯ Hospitalization at the end of life is common among LTC residents, and the likelihood of hospital transfers is increased for residents who are younger, have organ failure, lower care level needs, as well as among those who live in for-profit facilities. Particular emphasis should, therefore, be placed on targeting these groups to determine the appropriateness of hospital admission and possible ways of reducing transfers.