Mortality rates among relocated extended-care patients

Eighty-one male extended-care patients relocated due to planned demolition of the building in which their ward was located were followed for 21 mo. from the date of transfer. No increase in mortality rate was detected during the first 3 mo. post-relocation, an interval usually associated with high mortality in elderly persons involuntarily relocated. During the first year after relocation, the death rate was 33.33%, compared to an average annual death rate of 41.20% during the 5 years preceding the move. At 21 mo., half the relocated population were alive. These data contrast with previous studies, most of which show increased mortality after relocation, and lead us to concur with those who suggest that the degree of environmental change involved may be a key factor in explaining variance in relocation effects.