Background
The aim of this study is to identify the factors that anticipate the future inclusion of community-dwelling individuals aged ≥ 70 years in home care programmes (HC) and nursing homes (NH), and to develop the corresponding prediction models.
Methods
Study design: prospective, multicenter, cohort study in 23 primary healthcare centers located in Catalonia, Spain, with an eight-year follow-up (2005-2013).
Participants: the cohort was made up of 616 individuals.
Data collection: baseline interview included a multidimensional assessment carried out by primary health care professionals. Outcome variables were collected during follow-up by consulting electronic healthcare records, telephone contacts, and the Central Registry of Catalonia for mortality.
Statistical analysis: a prognostic index for a HC and NH at eight years was estimated for each patient. Death prior to these events was considered a competing risk event, and Fine–Gray regression models were used. The internal validity of the predictive models was tested for 150 bootstrap re-samples.
Results
At baseline, mean age was 76.4 years, 55.5% were women, and 22% lived alone. During follow-up, 19.2% entered a HC program, 8.2% a NH, and 15.4% died without presenting an event. Of those who entered a NH, 31.5% had previously been in a HC program.
Multivariate competitive risk models for a HC and NH showed that the risk of a HC entry was associated with older age, dependence on the Instrumental Activities of the Daily Living, and slow gait measured by Timed-up-and-go test. An increased risk of being admitted to a NH was associated with older age, dependence on the Instrumental Activities of the Daily Living, augmented number of prescriptions, and the presence of social risk.
Conclusions
Prognostic models based on comprehensive geriatric assessments can predict the need for the commencement of HC and NH admission in community-dwelling older adults. Our findings underline the necessity to measure functional capacity, mobility, number of prescriptions, and social aspects of older adults in primary healthcare centers. In such a setting they can be offered longitudinal holistic assessments so as to benefit from preventive actions in order to remain independent in the community for as long as possible.