Which characteristics are associated with going outside for people living with dementia in nursing homes? a cross-sectional study

Abstract

This cross-sectional study explores the frequency of going outside and characteristics that are associated with going outside for people living with dementia in nursing homes in the Netherlands. A subsample of a national survey in 353 nursing homes was used (N = 693). Two-thirds (66.5%) go outside often. Compared to those who rarely or never go outside, participants who go outside often receive visits more often (odds ratio (OR) 1.68, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02–2.75), have less severe physical impairments (severe vs. mild: OR 0.17, 95% CI 0.04–0.73; very severe vs. mild: OR 0.11, 95% CI 0.03–0.49), use less pain medication (OR 0.61, 95% CI 0.38–0.98), experience higher positive affect (OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.03–1.17), and feel less at home (OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.76–0.97). These findings are the first step in developing effective interventions that will contribute to people living with dementia going outside more often.