Keeping the Back Door Closed Barriers to Community Reintegration for Working Age and Older Adults with Disabilities

This study fills a gap that is presently in the literature in which working age individuals with disabilities have not been a focus. Various risk factors can contribute to the rate of institutionalization among older individuals as well as working aged individuals with disabilities. A quantitative research approach was utilized to examine the main risk factors for remaining in a nursing home among the older adults and working aged individuals who are disabled. Data was gathered through in depth interviews with nursing home residents about past and current experiences regarding social support, health insurance, chronic medical conditions, and functional limitations to identify risk factors for continued nursing home stay. Theoretical Model: Risk predictors are organized according to Andersen's behavioral model. Results: Several factors were related to continued nursing home admission for older adults including age, gender, marital status, social support, and total medical conditions. Increases in education, and perceived support outside the nursing home added to the length of stay for working aged participants'. Social support did play a significant role for older adults' length of stay but it was related to an increased length of stay for working aged individuals.