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Nursing home residency after head injury
Public Health Reports (Washington, D.C. : 1974)
|May 1, 1985
Summary
A 1982 survey found 19 head-injured residents in Rhode Island nursing homes, with most injuries from motor vehicle crashes. This study highlights the need for data on long-term care for brain injury patients.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Public Health
- Gerontology
Background:
- Long-term outcomes for head-injured individuals are not well-documented.
- Nursing home residency is a potential outcome for severe head injuries.
- Prevalence data for head injury patients in long-term care facilities is scarce.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of head-injured patients in Rhode Island nursing homes.
- To gather data on the characteristics of head-injured nursing home residents.
- To understand the duration of nursing home stay after head injury.
Main Methods:
- Survey of 93 nursing homes in and near Rhode Island in May 1982.
- Identification of State residents with head injuries.
- Data collection on patient demographics and injury circumstances.
Main Results:
- Nineteen head-injured patients were identified.
- Ten of these patients sustained injuries from motor vehicle crashes.
- The median age of patients was 35 years, with a median of 3 years since injury.
- The prevalence was estimated at 2 per 100,000 population.
Conclusions:
- Head injury patients represent a notable population within nursing homes.
- Motor vehicle crashes are a significant cause of head injuries requiring long-term care.
- Further research is needed to understand the long-term care needs and outcomes for individuals with head injuries.