ELDERLY PATIENTS IN THE ACUTE-CARE HOSPITAL - FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITHLONG-STAY AND ITS IMPACT ON PATIENTS AND FAMILIES

Elderly patients can remain in acute care hospitals for protracted per iods of time waiting for transfer to long-term care facilities. Becaus e such patients no longer require acute care services, hospitals often fail to provide programs for them and staff may experience them as in appropriate. This study provides a descriptive understanding of these patients and examines factors associated with length of stay. Although differences were found between patients who were discharged in 6 mont hs or less and those who remained in hospitals longer than 6 months, n o significant differences were found among patients who remained for v arying lengths of time beyond 6 months. Impact of long stay on patient s and families is explored and implications for social work practice a nd discharge planning are examined.