Long-term Care Insurance (LTCi) Can Help Reduce Fall Rates in Nursing Homes

A new study cited in the June 28, 2012 issue of Health Day http://consumer.healthday.com/Article.asp?AID=665947 reported that 21% of patients admitted to nursing homes in the U.S. suffered a fall within the first 30 days.  The authors noted unfamiliarity with the facility and staff contributed to these accidents.  On an optimistic note, the study found “…that higher levels of staffing with certified nursing assistants reduces the risk of patient falls.”

Most nursing home care in the US is paid for by Medicaid. Medicaid accepting facilities are notoriously understaffed. Since long-term care insurance provides additional financial resources, it often enables people to avoid Medicaid-paid nursing homes with poor staffing ratios. LTCi owners are much more likely than non-LTCi owners to be able to access long-term care at home and in facilities with better staffing.