Predictors of long-term care admission in a rural and remote memory clinic

Background Caregivers face unique challenges when the care recipient transitions from at-home care to long-term care (LTC). Objective We aimed to elucidate predictors of LTC admission within two years of initial presentation to a Rural and Remote Memory Clinic in Saskatchewan. Methods Analysis included 635 patients seen between March 2004 and June 2019 (admitted to LTC within two years = 222, not admitted = 413). Patients were assessed neuropsychologically and administered questionnaires. Results The majority of those who moved to LTC were diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. The multivariate logistic regression model revealed no statistically significant results. However, univariate logistic regressions showed that advanced age (OR = 1.05, CI = 1.04–1.07), female sex (OR = 1.79, CI = 1.28–2.52), higher Functional Activities Questionnaire (OR = 1.09, CI = 1.06–1.11), lower Mini-Mental State Examination (OR = 0.861, CI = 0.827–0.897), and higher Clinical Dementia Rating score (OR = 1.13, CI = 1.06–1.21) were significant predictors (p < 0.001). Conclusions Being older, female, more dependent in activities of daily living, and having more severe dementia predicted LTC admission, potentially helping in planning care.