A national study showed that diagnoses varied by age group in nursing home residents under age 65

Abstract

Objective: It is commonly held that those aged <65 in nursing homes (NHs) are substantially different from elderly residents. This study uses data gathered using the Resident Assessment Instrument’s Minimum Data Set (MDS) to describe these relatively rare residents. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING, RESULTS, CONCLUSION Data: The study uses MDS assessments of close to three-quarter million residents in nine states from 1994-6. An algorithm resolved potentially incorrect ages caused by confusion between residents age < 15 from those 100-115. Methods: Residents are described within chronological age group (0-4, 5-14, etc.). Functional status, prevalence of chronic conditions and treatments are described for each group. Co-morbidity is examined using factor analyses and cross-tabulations. Results: Overall, pediatric residents appear substantially more physically and cognitively impaired than young adult residents. The youngest population primarily has diagnoses related to mental retardation and developmental disabilities, young adults have the highest prevalence of hemi- and quadriplegia, while older residents are typified by increasing prevalence of neurological diagnoses and more co-morbid conditions. Thirteen diagnostic factors describe nearly 85% of all NH residents and highlights differences between age groups. Conclusions: This study offers a first description of nearly all NH residents <65. The classification demonstrates significant differences within this population and between these residents and those 65+.