Effects of posthospital informal care on nursing home discharge

This study examines the effect of family caregiving on the probability that nursing home residents would be discharged to the community. The effect of the number of hours of informal we on the probability of nursing home disc harge was estimated using a logistic regression of a 6-week postadmission l ocation (home or institution) on the number of hours of informal care in th e first 2 weeks in the nursing home, of caregiver visits, and other patient factors. The odds of being discharged to their home were higher for those who received more care that is informal. Informal care may increase the qua lity and the amount of care that residents receive, thus, influencing rehab ilitation outcomes and returns to home. Caregiving families may advocate fo r residents and signal to nursing home staff that the resident has a well-f unctioning support system.