One-third of all fee-for-service Medicare beneficiaries receiving post-acute care have a diagnosis of dementia, and more than 7 in 10 receive this care in a SNF. Overall use and trends were similar in the Medicare Advantage population.
Most Medicare recipients with dementia receive post-acute care in a skilled nursing facility despite the influence of payment reform efforts, researchers from the University of Pennsylvania say. In prior research among the same cohort of Medicare recipients with dementia, they found that outcomes of SNF and home health care were similar for older beneficiaries with similar health profiles and a diagnosis of dementia.
“These results, in combination with our current findings, could suggest SNF is over-used in this population,” the authors suggested. “High rates of SNF use among individuals with dementia may not translate to high-value care, particularly when it comes to severe dementia at the end of life,” they wrote.
Results of Study
Of the 9,762,208 Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries who received post-acute care from 2013 to 2016, 3,155,560 (32.3%) carried a diagnosis of dementia. Rates of post-acute care use were similar over time.
“Outcomes of SNF and home health care were similar for older beneficiaries with similar health profiles and a diagnosis of dementia.”
More beneficiaries with a diagnosis of dementia received post-acute care (44.2% vs 27.7%) and proportionally more SNF care (71.7% vs 49.6%). Overall use and trends were similar in the Medicare Advantage population.
These findings serve as a foundation for needed evaluations of how best to meet the post-hospital needs of older adults with dementia. The study was published in JAMDA.
Related Article
Other Articles You Might Enjoy
Average 30-Day Readmission Rates by Medical Conditions
We provide critical readmission data about average readmission rates, condition-specific readmission rates, and hospitals with high and low readmission rates.
Hospital-at-Home Readmissions: Which Medical Conditions Created the Highest and Lowest Readmissions?
CMS’s report on the Acute Hospital Care at Home (AHCAH) initiative highlighted the highest and lowest readmission rates by medical conditions.
Message From Lisa Remington
November/December 2024 Issue
FREE CONTENT As we enter 2025, the home care sector is poised for unprecedented transformation. This year promises to turbocharge improvements in the quality and accessibility of home care services. Now is the time to embrace these changes and position yourself at the forefront of an industry that is revolutionizing care in the home. Don't miss the opportunity to be part of this exciting evolution in home care.
