45% displayed aggression in some form, CIHI study finds
Halifax (25 March 2008) - An astonishing 45% of nursing home residents in Nova Scotia demonstrate aggressive behaviour, according to a study of selected facilities by the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI). A total of 699 residents in five facilities were surveyed between 2003 and 2007.
The report, Caring for Nursing Home Residents with Behavioural Symptoms: Information to Support a Quality Response, says residents displayed behaviour such as resistance to care (30%), verbal abuse (16%), socially inappropriate behaviour (14%) and physical abuse (10%).
Three of the main causes were delirium, insomnia and depression. The study's authors also found that nursing home residents who had lost their independence and who had multiple health problems were more likely to be aggressive.
"Our data show that a considerable number of residents demonstrate behaviours that can be a source of distress to themselves, to other residents and staff," said CIHI spokesperson Jean-Marie Berthelot.
"As our population ages and more people will be living in this type of setting, it is important to understand what factors contribute to these behaviours."
The report also found that 20% of nursing home residents wandered. Independent residents were more prone to wandering than those who required assistance. Patients suffering from Alzheimer's or dementia were more likely to wander, and women were more prone to wandering than men.
According to the 2005 National Survey of the Work and Health of Nurses, 50% of nurses working in long-term care facilities reported they had been assaulted by a patient in the previous year.
NUPGE
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring that our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE
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