Different Characteristics between Working Age and Older Nursing Home Residents Analysis on the 2004 NNHS

Background: Working age individuals (ages 18 to 64) are an increasing share of the nursing home (NH) population, but little is known about this population relative to older NH residents (65 years or older).

Objective: We compare the characteristics of residents by age group and length of stay.

Data and Methods: Data from the 2004 National Nursing Home Survey are used. Descriptive methods are used to compare the study groups of interest.

Findings: Compared with older individuals, about half of the younger individuals are male (50.32 %). Twice as many younger residents are Blacks relative to their older counterparts (19.58 % vs. 8.90 %). 27.94 % of long-stay younger and 6.39% of long-stay older residents were never married. More than one-third of both younger and older residents were admitted from an acute care facility; younger residents were more likely to be admitted from psychiatric or rehabilitation facilities, but less likely to be admitted from private residences. Most working-age individuals are insured through Medicaid. Medicare and out-of -pocket payments are more frequent insurance sources for older residents. Functional limitations were higher among long-stay working age as well as older individuals, relative to short-stay working age individuals. Long-stay younger residents were more likely to be in a special unit related to behavioral problems, while older long stay residents were in a special unit related to Alzheimer's disease.

Implications: In light of the Olmstead decision and subsequent policy innovations, these findings have implications for identifying and assisting nursing home transitions for NH residents.