Life-Space Mobility Predicts Nursing Home Admission Over 6 Years

Objective: To explore the association between baseline life-space mobility and nursing home (NH) admission among community-dwelling older adults over 6 years. Methods: Using data from a prospective, observational cohort study consisting of a random sample of 1,000 Medicare beneficiaries ≥ 65 years of age stratified by race (African American and non-Hispanic White), sex, and rural/urban residence. Baseline life-space mobility was assessed during in-home interviews. Participants were contacted by telephone every 6 months to ascertain NH admissions, Life-Space Assessment (LSA) scores, and vital status (living or deceased). Using multivariate logistic regression, the significance and independence of the relationship of life-space mobility with NH admission were examined. Results: Over 6 years, the odds of NH admission increased 2% for every one point lower baseline life-space score independent of previously recognized risk factors. Discussion: The LSA may be a useful tool to identify older adults at risk of NH admission.