Social Services Involvement in Care Transitions and Admissions in Nursing Homes

Care transitions (CT) are critical junctures in the healthcare delivery process. Effective transitions reduce the need for subsequent transfers between healthcare settings, including nursing homes. Understanding social services (SS) involvement in these processes in nursing homes is important from a quality and holistic care perspective. Using logistic regression, this study examines structural and relational factors identified with higher involvement of SS in care transitions and admissions. SS directors from 924 nursing homes were evaluated in relation to SS involvement in care transitions and admissions processes. Results suggest the level of SS involvement in care transitions and admissions are associated with structural factors such as size of facility, geographical location, ratio of FTE's to beds, ownership status, and standalone SS departments, as well as relational factors, including perceptions and utilization of SS staff by facility leadership, coworkers, and family. Additionally, SS staff with higher levels of expertise and with social work degrees are less involved in admissions tasks.