Sign in Subscribe
COVID-19

COVID-19 Hospitalization Outcomes for Long-Term Care Facility Residents with Dementia

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Recent research from the University of North Texas has shed light on the hospitalization place of discharge outcomes for Long Term Care Facility (LTCF) residents with dementia. The study found that dementia diagnosis is associated with increased risks of hospice care and decreased likelihood of discharge to recovery hospitals. The research also highlights the importance of comorbidities in hospitalization outcomes, with higher Elixhauser Comorbidity Index Score (ECIS) mediating the relationship between dementia and hospice care discharge.

Key Takeaways:

  • Dementia diagnosis increased risks of hospice care by 44% (OR = 1.44, 95%CI = 1.16-1.80), compared to those without dementia.
  • Dementia patients with higher ECIS scores are more likely to face systemic barriers to recovery-focused care, with comorbidities playing a critical role in hospitalization outcomes.
  • The study found that dementia patients with higher ECIS scores were more likely to be discharged to hospice care (OR = 1.07, p < 0.05) and less likely to be discharged to recovery hospitals (OR = 0.70, 95%CI = 0.52-0.94).
  • The research also highlights the importance of considering health insurance status in hospitalization outcomes, with uninsured patients more likely to be discharged to hospice care.
  • The study analyzed data from 1,413 LTCF residents with dementia and 1,674 without dementia, using the Texas Inpatient Public Use Data File (PUDF).
  • The research was conducted at the University of North Texas, with Cheng Yin, Elias Mpofu, Kaye Brock, and Stan Ingman contributing to the study.

Statistics:

  • 1,413 LTCF residents with dementia were analyzed in the study
  • 1,674 LTCF residents without dementia were analyzed in the study
  • Dementia diagnosis increased risks of hospice care by 44% (OR = 1.44, 95%CI = 1.16-1.80)
  • Dementia patients with higher ECIS scores were more likely to be discharged to hospice care (OR = 1.07, p < 0.05)
  • Dementia patients with higher ECIS scores were less likely to be discharged to recovery hospitals (OR = 0.70, 95%CI = 0.52-0.94)
  • Uninsured patients were more likely to be discharged to hospice care (OR = 1.07, p < 0.05)

Sources:

  • "Covid-19 Hospitalization Place of Live Discharge Outcomes for Long-term Care Facility Residents With Dementia: Mediation By Comorbidities Index Scores and Moderation By Health Insurance Status" (Geriatric Nursing, 2025;64)
  • NewsRx. Report Summarizes COVID-19 Study Findings from University of North Texas (Covid-19 Hospitalization Place of Live Discharge Outcomes for Long-term Care Facility Residents With Dementia: Mediation By Comorbidities Index Scores and Moderation By ...). Health Insurance Week. August 3, 2025; p 105.

Read more