Patterns of Suicidal Behavior in Long-Term Care Facilities: A Preliminary Report on an Ongoing Study

Abstract

The prevention of suicide and other forms of self-destructive behavior among elderly residents of institutions is a major consideration because of its importance from humanitarian, professional, and legal points of view. One major aim of this study is to determine the extent and nature of overt suicide, attempted suicide, and intentional life-threatening behavior (ILTB) in long-term care facilities and to identify differences in patterns of suicidal behavior by gender, age, and race. A random sample of 1080 institutions was chosen from the National Master Facility Inventory obtained from the Long-Term Care Statistics Branch of the National Center for Health Statistics. A written questionnaire containing items on facility characteristics, staff and residents, and number of overt suicides, attempted suicides, incidents of ILTB, and deaths from ILTB was mailed to administrators of facilities. Questionnaires were received from administrators in 463 facilities across the country. Chi-square techniques allowed us to determine differences in types of suicidal behavior and whether or not death was likely to result from suicidal behavior by gender, age, and race. Men and women differed from each other in terms of the method chosen. The young-old, old-old, and those under sixty differed on type of suicidal behavior, as well as on likelihood of death from participation in suicidal behaviors.

Suicide risk in long‐term care facilities: a systematic review

“…In a study of 463 LTC facilities housing 30,269 residents, Osgood et al . () estimated that the overall prevalence of suicidal behavior (i.e., suicidal thoughts, attempts, and completed suicide) among residents was 1%, with 80% of these cases involving indirect life‐threatening behavior as defined above (Osgood et al ., ). A follow‐up study showed that 19% of LTC facilities had at least one instance of suicidal behavior (Osgood and Brant, ).…”

Completed Suicide at Age 50 and Over

“…The work of Osgood 6 , 7 and others 8 – 11 has helped define the extent of the problem of geriatric suicide and the need for additional empiric research. Yet, other than case reports, 6 , 11 , 12 only one psychological autopsy study that deals specifically with older persons has appeared in the psychiatric literature 13 .…”

Dying by Suicide in Nursing Homes: A Preventable End of Life Outcome for Older Residents

“…Their group nature has good fit for a population-based suicide prevention strategy. The involves reducing risk factors, enhancing protective factors and buffers to suicidality, and creating and sustain living environments promoting an optimal level of wellness for each resident (Podgorski et al, 2010). These can be parts of a suicide prevention program for a freestanding facility or a strategy implemented across a multi-facility chain.…”

“…A facility should review its existing policies, procedures, and programs from a suicide prevention perspective to determine if they may potentially mitigate or exacerbate risk. (Podgorski et al, 2010). Suicide risk exposure of residents is associated with facility variables such as auspice, staff turnover, and size (Osgood, 1992).…”