Nursing Homes Are Admitting More Patients From Hospitals - Long Term Care News on CNA-TV
Channel: CNA TV - NAHCA Broadcasting Network
Date: 2020-02-19

Nursing Homes Are Admitting More Patients From Hospitals - Long Term Care News on CNA-TV

Nursing homes are admitting more patients from hospitals 30 years after the passage of the Omnibus Budget of Reconciliation Act of 1987 (OBRA ’87), according to new research.

Also, during that time, the industry has contracted, nursing home quality has improved and the resident population has become more diverse, the study revealed.

The number of residents being admitted from hospitals has increased by 15% since 1985, with more patients needing rehabilitative and post-acute care, according to a new study that evaluated nursing home composition and quality since OBRA. Conducting the study were researchers at the Center for Gerontology and Healthcare Research at the School of Public Health, Brown University; and the Center of Innovation in Long-Term Services and Supports, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs Medical Center.

Investigators also found that the nursing home industry has decreased in size by nearly 400 facilities, while the number of nonprofit, dually certified and chain facilities has increased in the last three decades. And nursing homes have seen more diversity among residents.

Nursing home quality has improved over the last 30 years, the report found. The number of residents receiving antipsychotics has dropped, while the use of physical restraint also dropped significantly.

Direct care staffing levels have also increased.

The research indicated that the biggest challenge for providers will continue to be issues around disparities and behavioral health.

Full findings were published in the February issue of the Journal of Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine.