Predictors of Place of Death for Seniors in Ontario: A Population-Based Cohort Analysis

Abstract

Place of death was determined for all 58,689 seniors (age ≥ 66 years) in Ontario who died during fiscal year 2001/2002. The relationship of place of death to medical and socio-demographic characteristics was examined using a multinomial logit model. Half (49.2%) of these individuals died in hospital, 30.5 per cent died in a long-term care facility, 9.6 per cent died at home while receiving home care, and 10.7 per cent died at home without home care. Co-morbidities were the strongest predictors of place of death (p< 0.0001). A cancer diagnosis increased the chances of death at home while receiving home care; seniors with dementia were most likely to die in LTC facilities; and those with major acute conditions were most likely to die in hospitals. Higher socio-economic status was associated with greater probability of dying at home but contributed little to the model. Appropriate planning and resource allocation may help move place of death from hospitals to nursing homes or the community, in accordance with individual preferences.