Application for admission to a residential complex for older people

Abstract

Inappropriate admission to long term care implies an improper use of beds, and indicates mis-use of community services. Objective: To evaluate current methods of assessment for admission to care. To identify whether introducing pre-admission assessments can be more effective to identify need for long term care. Method: In 1997, 105 applicants for admission to St.Vincent de Paule were assessed for care needs. Details on the Application Form for admission were re-checked for reliability. Outcome was assessed after 3 months. Results: 59% of the Study Group findings did not agree with the Application Form findings in at least 1 of the 4 variables studied. 46% were unaware of the application. Unmet need was identified in applicants in the community (n=40) for: home help (15%); day care (10%); incontinence service (7%); telecare (5%); social worker (30%); physiotherapy (22%); occupational therapy (20%); and community nursing (7%). At the 3 month follow-up, 32% of the 41 admissions were found to be inappropriate. Conclusion: Pre admission assessment identifies more closely the actual needs of applicants to long term care.