Does Nursing Home Compare Reflect Patient Safety In Nursing Homes?

Nursing Home Compare is a website run by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) that provides information on nursing homes in the United States, including information on nursing home quality and patient safety. While Nursing Home Compare does include some measures related to patient safety, its overall focus is on quality of care and resident satisfaction.

One of the measures included on Nursing Home Compare that relates to patient safety is the percentage of residents who have experienced falls with major injury. This measure indicates the number of residents who have fallen and suffered a major injury, such as a broken bone, as a result of the fall. Nursing homes with higher rates of falls with major injury may indicate a potential issue with patient safety.

Another measure related to patient safety on Nursing Home Compare is the percentage of residents who have been physically restrained. Physical restraints, such as bed rails or straps, can increase the risk of injury or harm to nursing home residents. Nursing homes that use physical restraints more frequently may indicate a potential issue with patient safety.

While Nursing Home Compare does include some measures related to patient safety, it is important to note that the website is not a comprehensive source of information on nursing home safety. Other factors, such as staffing levels and the quality of care provided, can also impact patient safety in nursing homes. Additionally, while Nursing Home Compare can provide a starting point for families and caregivers who are researching nursing homes, it is important to conduct additional research and consider other factors when choosing a nursing home for a loved one.