Study reveals shocking increase in aged care deaths

We’ve all heard stories of terrible things happening in aged care facilities.

And while most aged care facilities have excellent records of safety for their patients, a damning new study today has made some shock revelations.

The study, released by the Monash University, has revealed a 400% increase in premature and potentially preventable deaths in aged care facilities.

Between 2000 and 2013, 3289 of the 21672 deaths of nursing home residents were from external or preventable causes – that’s equal to 15.2%.

Those external or preventable causes of death included falls, choking, suicide and homicide.

81.5% of those death were from falls, while one in 12 died of choking and just 1.2% died from complications of clinical care.

What’s more shocking is that 1 in 18 people who died from preventable causes was killed, took their own life or it was a result of an assault by another resident.

Professor Ibrahim from Monash University believes the 400% figure is an underestimate, because health professionals tended to misclassify some deaths of aged care residents as “natural” when they could have been the result of an injury-related factor or underlying illness.

“Improving the quality of care for nursing home residents requires a better understanding of how, why, where and when they die. The global population is ageing rapidly, and the need for aged care services is consequently increasing,” he said.

“With this study we have our first real understanding of how many deaths are occurring in nursing homes that shouldn’t be happening. However, there is a paucity of information about the cause and manner of premature deaths of nursing home residents from which we can review how these operations are run.”

The reaction amongst the aged care industry has been mixed.

One of Australia’s peak aged care bodies, Aged and Community Services Australia, points out that the research shows the cast majority of deaths in aged care facilities were from natural causes.

CEO Pat Sparrow said the study highlighted some of the challenges facing the provision of quality care.

“This is an area in in which the dignity and rights of the older person must be balanced with safety concerns,” she said.

“Even since this report’s time frame more research and programs have been designed to provide greater safety to aged care residents.

“One of the other challenges highlighted by the data is that of ensuring that older Australians living in residential care are able to access the mental health services any Australian can.

“Research reports, such as this one, are always useful to examine and improve care but they shouldn’t be considered in isolation from broader quality care and considerations.”

The study has led to calls for a national strategy to reduce unnecessary harm and deaths in nursing homes.

Professor Ibrahim said there was no one entity responsible for reducing harm in nursing homes.

“Professionals from governments and the nursing home sector should develop strategies for preventing these deaths and establish a lead authority, responsible for reducing harm by improving practice in nursing homes,” he said.

While the figures are shocking, Professor Ibrahim pointed out the 400% increase could be a result of increased scrutiny of aged care facilities.

What do you think about the figures? Do they shock you?