Unique Service-Related Characteristics among Home Health Care Patients with Cognitive Impairment in the United States

National home health survey data are examined to compare service-related psychosocial and clinical characteristics in patients with and without advanced cognitive impairment. Knowing such differences will allow providers to assess patient needs in areas where groups differ. Cognitive status and psychosocial and clinical characteristics are examined through bivariate analyses of 2007 National Home and Hospice Care Survey data, the most recent nationally representative sample survey in this series of cross-section sample surveys of U.S. home health and hospice agencies. Significantly more patients with cognitive impairment have greater medical daily care needs, medical emergencies, incontinence, and difficult behaviors. Unique service-related needs among patients with cognitive impairment warrants tailored approaches to care, including more direct care and behavioral interventions.