Death Ideas, Suicidal Thoughts, and Plans Among Nursing Home Residents

This study evaluated the prevalence of death- &/or suicidal feelings, thoughts, plans, & any suicide attempts in a random, unselected sample of 228 Italian individuals, aged 65 years & older. 172 participants were surveyed using 5 sample questions to investigate the presence of death- & suicidal thoughts, plans, & behaviours in different time periods. 30.8% reported have had death or suicidal thoughts or plans during the month prior to the interview. The oldest-old residents more frequently reported death/suicide ideation. The high frequency of death/suicide ideation among older nursing home residents should be carefully considered when planning & implementing health care programs in these facilities. (29 refs.)