Skin Ulcer Development and Deterioration of Social Engagement among Nursing Home Residents

Skin ulcers are a critical indicator of quality of care in nursing homes that influence residents' physical, psychological, and social health. The objective of this study is to understand the influence of developing skin ulcers on deterioration in social engagement in nursing home residents.

Observational retrospective cohort study with 1-year follow-up.

Nursing home residents aged ≥50 years were followed quarterly (2008/2009-2009/2010), the latest years in which the Minimum Data Set 2.0 measured social engagement.

Cumulative incidence ratios (CIRs) and 95% CIs quantified the association between skin ulcer development and deterioration in residents' social engagement levels.

About 1.25% first developed new skin ulcers at the annual follow-up assessment; 1.22% developed skin ulcers at a quarterly assessment that persisted at the annual assessment, and 4.53% developed skin ulcers at a quarterly assessment that were resolved by annual assessment. Compared with residents who remained ulcer-free, those with new skin ulcer at annual assessment and persistent skin ulcers were at increased risk of experiencing a reduction in social engagement (CIR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.11-1.44; CIR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.16-1.50, respectively). Those with resolved skin ulcers were also at increased risk of social engagement deterioration (CIR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.04-1.21) than those who remained ulcer-free.

Residents who develop skin ulcers are at a higher risk of deteriorating social engagement. Nursing home staff should strive not only to prevent and treat skin ulcers, but also to support social engagement for those with skin ulcers.