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Racial differences in functioning among elderly nursing home residents, 2004
Adrienne L Jones1, Nancy L Sonnenfeld, Lauren D Harris-Kojetin
1Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics, Division of Health Care Statistics, 3311 Toledo Road, Hyattsville, Maryland 20782, USA.
NCHS Data Brief
|December 5, 2009
Summary
Black nursing home residents, comprising 11% of the elderly population, may face more facility deficiencies. This study examines racial differences in functional status and incontinence care for nursing home residents.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Health Services Research
- Health Disparities Research
Background:
- Reducing racial disparities in healthcare is a key national policy objective.
- Prior research on racial disparities in nursing homes has concentrated on placement rates.
- Emerging evidence indicates Black nursing home residents may be disproportionately located in facilities with significant deficiencies, including low staffing and financial instability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe elderly Black nursing home residents and compare them to residents of other races.
- To highlight differences in functional status and resident-centered care, specifically incontinence management.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the most recent National Nursing Home Survey.
- Analyzed national data on nursing home residents aged 65 and over.
- Focused on comparisons of functional status, incontinence, and incontinence management between racial groups.
Main Results:
- In 2004, 11% of the 1.3 million elderly nursing home residents in the U.S. were Black.
- The report identifies key differences between Black nursing home residents and other racial groups regarding functioning and care.
- Specific areas of difference include functional status and incontinence management.
Conclusions:
- Limited national data exists on the characteristics of Black nursing home residents.
- Understanding these differences is crucial for addressing health disparities in long-term care settings.
- Further research is needed to address the specific needs of Black nursing home residents to reduce healthcare inequities.
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