Optimizing Dementia Care Units: Predictors of Length of Psychiatric Hospitalization for Persons With Dementia and Neuropsychiatric Symptoms

BackgroundDementia care units offer specialized inpatient psychiatric treatment for persons living with dementia (PLWD). Given increasing numbers of PLWD and limited availability of dementia care units, it is crucial to clarify how these units can be used most efficiently.MethodsThe sample included data from 75 unique inpatient psychiatric hospitalizations for PLWD. Data were collected via retrospective chart review. Mixed random and fixed effects longitudinal analyses were run to identify significant predictors of length of psychiatric hospitalization.ResultsPredictors showing significant association included a change in living environment at time of discharge; an ED send out/admission to a general medical hospital; legal pursuits; and diagnostic evaluations pursued during the psychiatric hospitalization.ConclusionsDementia care units are effective in reducing neuropsychiatric symptoms for PLWD. This study highlights avenues for optimization of this care environment to allow for the maximum number of PLWD to receive specialized dementia care treatment.