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

Assessed the extent & nature of overt attempted suicide & intentional life-threatening behavior in long-term care facilities & differences in patterns of suicidal behavior by gender, age & race. A random sample of 1080 institutions was sent a questionnaire; 463 responses were received. Men & women differed from each other in terms of method chosen. Young-old, old-old & those under age 60 differed on type of suicidal behavior as well as on likelihood of death from participation in such behavior.