Socio-economic predictors of time to care home admission in people living with dementia in Wales: A routine data linkage study

Objectives Limited research has shown that people with dementia (PwD) from lower socio-economic backgrounds can face difficulties in accessing the right care at the right time. This study examined whether socio-economic status (SES) and rural versus urban living location are associated with the time between diagnosis and care home admission in PwD living in Wales, UK. Methods/Design This study linked routine health data and an e-cohort of PwD who have been admitted into a care home between 2000 and 2018 living in Wales. Survival analysis explored the effects of SES, living location, living situation, and frailty on the time between diagnosis and care home admission. Results In 34,514 PwD, the average time between diagnosis and care home admission was 1.5 (+/- 1.4) years. Cox regression analysis showed that increased age, living alone, frailty, and living in less disadvantaged neighbourhoods were associated with faster rate to care home admission. Living in rural regions predicted a slower rate until care home admission. Conclusions This is one of the first studies to show a link between socio-economic factors on time to care home admission in dementia. Future research needs to address variations in care needs between PwD from different socio-economic and geographical backgrounds.

Automated summary

Limited research has shown that socio-economic status and living location can impact the time to care home admission in dementia patients. Factors such as increasing age, living alone, frailty, and residing in less disadvantaged neighborhoods were associated with faster admission rates, while living in rural regions predicted a slower rate of admission.