Evaluating institutionalization by comparing the use of health services before and after admission to a long-term-care facility.

Despite concern over increased health services utilization with population aging, few studies describe health services utilization by long-term-care (LTC) residents. An investigation was designed to compare health services use before and after LTC admission. Comprehensive 1988 to 1999 data for all LTC residents (N = 47,510) in Alberta, Canada, were obtained. Utilization comparisons involved equal pre/post timeframes. Only non-hospital physician services increased post-LTC admission. Home care was not provided after admission (51% had been recipients). Hospital and ambulatory services use declined, with these patterns stable for 5 years pre- and post-LTC admission. When hospital or ambulatory care was sought by LTC residents, they were not disadvantaged in the type or scope of care as compared to the care received prior to LTC admission. These findings should raise interest in the services provided by LTC facilities and the outcomes of long-term, facility-based care. LTC services could be beneficial for people with advanced age and dependency.