New research shows that unnecessary hospital admissions are a problem for nursing home residents with dementia. Hospital transfers are not only costly, but they also cause physical, emotional, and cognitive harm when a patient would be better cared for in their nursing home. Learn about the impact of these unnecessary transfers and how to prevent them.
Why Are Dementia Patients at Higher Risk for Hospitalizations?
Nursing home residents with dementia are often hospitalized unnecessarily due to communication challenges and increased vulnerability to medical complications.
A study from the University of Missouri examined 16 nursing homes with high hospitalization rates and found that residents with dementia were hospitalized unnecessarily far more often than others.
Dementia affects memory, thinking, and social abilities, leaving patients vulnerable to falls, fractures, medication errors, and even nursing home abuse.
Many dementia patients struggle to express their needs or recall important details about their care. In later stages, they may lose the ability to communicate entirely.
“Not all residents with dementia can tell the nursing home staff they don’t want to be transferred to the hospital.”
– Kimberly Powell, lead author of the study on unnecessary hospitalizations
These challenges make unnecessary hospitalizations a serious problem. Many patients can’t advocate for themselves or indicate that they could be treated in their nursing home instead.
Beyond the disruption, unnecessary hospital visits can cause physical decline, mental distress, and emotional confusion, making life even harder for an already vulnerable population.
The Emotional and Physical Impact of Unnecessary Hospital Admissions
Unnecessary hospital admissions can be distressing and dangerous for nursing home residents with dementia. The transfer process itself can cause stress, confusion, and increased risk of injury, making hospitalization more harmful than helpful in many cases.
Risks of unnecessary hospitalizations for dementia patients include:
- Bedsores: Leaving a familiar environment can lead to neglect, leaving dementia patients immobile for long periods and increasing the risk of painful pressure ulcers.
- Dehydration: Dementia patients often struggle to express their needs. A sudden transfer to the hospital can make it harder for staff to monitor hydration.
- Falls: Unnecessary moves — especially in stressful situations — increase fall risks. Hospital settings can be disorienting, leading to more accidents.
- Infections: Hospitals expose vulnerable patients to dangerous infections like MRSA, which can be life-threatening for elderly residents.
- Medication errors: In hospitals, dementia patients may receive unnecessary or incorrect medications, causing serious side effects, organ damage, or death.
Families can take steps to protect their loved ones from unnecessary hospital transfers. Establishing a power of attorney early ensures they have a trusted advocate making medical decisions on their behalf as their condition progresses.
The Problem With Unnecessary Hospital Admissions
Beyond the risk of injury, unnecessary hospital visits take a deeper toll on dementia patients. Finding themselves in an unfamiliar hospital can cause confusion and emotional distress, worsening their overall well-being.
“Transfers are often a traumatic and stressful experience for the residents and they don’t often align with the priorities and goals of the patient,” Powell explained.
One measure being taken to correct this problem is the Age-Friendly Health System Initiative.
This program promotes best practices for treating older patients, including careful review of medical records before hospital transfers.
The percent of nursing home residents with dementia is nearly 50%, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Proper training helps nursing home staff identify avoidable hospitalizations, reducing unnecessary transfers.
With better protocols, residents receive appropriate care in the right setting, preventing harmful disruptions to their health and routine.
Preventing Unnecessary Hospital Admissions for Your Loved One
Every nursing home resident deserves dignity and respect. As a loved one, you can help ensure they receive the right care by documenting their wishes early — while they can still communicate effectively.
This includes decisions about hospital transfers, ensuring they aren’t unnecessarily sent away from familiar caregivers and surroundings. Their preferences can still be honored even when they can no longer advocate for themselves.
Dementia patients are also more vulnerable to nursing home abuse and neglect. If you notice signs that something isn’t right, know that help is available.
Call us right now at (855) 264-6310 or get a free case review to find out more about your options.
