Examining data from 1999-2005, this study finds that the proportion of nursing home admissions with mental illness has overtaken the proportion with dementia.  The authors suggest that the new trends may be related to increased recognition of depression, availability of alternatives to nursing homes for persons with dementia, and increased specialization among nursing homes in the care of postacute, rehabilitation residents.  They suggest that, in light of these findings, it is crucial that nursing homes be allocated sufficient funding and resources to treat mental illness.

Fullerton, C. A., T. G. McGuire, et al. (2009). Trends in mental health admissions to nursing homes, 1999-2005. Psychiatr Serv, 60(7), 965-71. DOI: 10.1176/appi.ps.60.7.965 http://psychservices.psychiatryonline.org/cgi/content/abstract/60/7/965 

Authors: Catherine Anne Fullerton, Thomas G. McGuire, Zhanlian Feng, Vincent Mor, David C. Grabowski.