A longitudinal evaluation of residents’ health outcomes in nursing homes and residential care homes in Taiwan

The role of nursing homes (NHs) and residential care homes (RHs) frequently overlaps in Taiwan, raising concerns about their level of care. This study aimed to investigate residents’ health outcomes in NHs and RHs 1 year after admission.

This longitudinal study included four stages of face-to-face interviews with recruited residents. Five main outcome measures, residents’ functional status, broad health status (SF-36), resident’s/family’s satisfaction toward institutions (RSQ), mortality, and relocation rates, were assessed by generalized estimating equations.

The mean scores of ADL and RSQ of newly admitted NH residents were significantly lower, and mini-mental state examination (MMSE) scores higher than those of RH residents (P < 0.05). However, MMSE and RSQ showed no statistical difference between these two institutions over time. Moreover, scores for Physical Role, Emotional Role, and Mental Component Scales of SF-36 were significantly improved in NH residents than those of RH residents over time. The survival rate of RH residents was also statistically lower than that of NH residents (χ² = 6.2, P < 0.05) 1 year after admission.

NH and RH residents in Taiwan experience significantly different trajectory outcomes in 1 year follow-up, suggesting that the placement for older people with long-term care needs should be constantly monitored.