Suicide among nursing home residents: a population-based study

Area of Science:

• Geriatric Medicine
• Public Health
• Mental Health Research

Background:

• Suicide rates are highest in older adults, often linked to chronic illness and functional decline.
• Nursing home (NH) residents share these risk factors, yet research on suicide within this population is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify clinical characteristics of nursing home residents who attempt or complete suicide.
• To understand the prevalence and nature of suicide in the nursing home setting.

Main Methods:

• Population-based, retrospective cohort study.
• Utilized a computerized database search for completed suicides in a defined region (1981-1997).
• Reviewed medical records of identified cases for clinical details.

Main Results:

• Identified 5 completed suicides and 3 suicide attempts among NH residents (ages 69-87).
• Most individuals had resided in the NH for less than 6 months.
• Deaths resulted from drowning, hanging, or medication overdose; no deaths occurred in severely cognitively impaired individuals.

Conclusions:

• Suicide and attempts in NHs are likely underreported but significant health and safety concerns.
• Men and recently admitted residents appear to be at higher risk.
• Suicide methods in NHs are influenced by environmental and physical limitations, differing from community-dwelling elders.