As a dementia care consultant, author and speaker, I often emphasize the importance of specialized care when guiding senior living communities and families on effective communication with those exhibiting dementia symptoms. A recent study funded by the NIA reinforces this stance, highlighting the improved outcomes for residents with Alzheimer’s or related dementia when housed in facilities that offer specialized dementia care.
Understanding the Landscape
Dementia’s prevalence is on an alarming rise, underscoring the increasing demand for specialized care within nursing homes. Yet, a concerning reality has emerged: less than 5% of nursing home beds in the U.S. are designated for dementia special care units. Moreover, previous data on the quality of care these units provide has been ambiguous, and comprehensive information on dementia-specific care across U.S. nursing homes remains scant.
The study aimed to identify the number of nursing home residents diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, related dementia, or exhibiting moderate to severe cognitive impairments that reside in facilities where such patients dominate. The study involved 13,909 U.S. senior care organizations, which cared for 3.2 million residents with dementia symptoms between 2017 to 2019.
Key Insights and Implications
The study’s revelations were illuminating. While most nursing homes host residents with dementia, the percentage varies widely, with only a meager 4% of homes exclusively tending to dementia patients. The majority of facilities cater to a mixed population, where only 31% to 80% of residents exhibit dementia symptoms.
Upon assessing the quality of care, a clear pattern emerged: facilities where over 90% of residents are diagnosed with dementia consistently offer superior care compared to their counterparts with a more diverse resident profile. This superiority is evident in reduced hospitalizations and emergency department admissions for dementia patients. Notably, these top-tier facilities allocate significantly more skilled nursing hours per resident. Interestingly, within such facilities, 35% have designated dementia care units, while only 20% of homes with 60% to 90% dementia patients do the same.
The implications of these findings are profound. Residents with dementia scattered across various nursing homes might not receive the specialized care they require unless they are in a majority. As we look to the future, there’s a pressing need for research to enhance care and improve life quality and health outcomes for residents grappling with Alzheimer’s or related dementia. These insights can shape staffing standards for U.S. nursing homes, suggesting that unique criteria might be essential to support residents with dementia effectively.
A Call to Action
In my role as The Dementia Whisperer, this study reinforces the message I’ve been advocating: specialized care is not a luxury, but a necessity for those with dementia symptoms. Senior living communities and families must prioritize this to ensure their loved ones receive the best possible care. The findings offer a roadmap, emphasizing the need to allocate resources effectively and champion the cause of specialized dementia care.
If you are interested in learning more about my trainings, click here.