stage: 4

The three factors that most reliably predict nursing home admission — carer, behaviour, and daily function

The three strongest predictors for nursing home admission in people with dementia are carer breakdown, behavioural and psychological symptoms, and loss of the ability to manage activities of daily living independently. When a family carer reaches a point where they can no longer physically or emotionally sustain the level of care required, admission often follows quickly. Behaviours such as persistent wandering, aggression, severe agitation, or night-time disturbance are particularly associated with nursing home placement. Loss of continence and the inability to walk, eat, or dress independently also significantly increase the likelihood of admission.