Characteristics of nursing homes with high percentages of falls and falls with injuries among residents with obesity

Abstract

Background: Obesity among United States nursing home (NH) residents is increasing. These residents have special care needs, which increases their risk for falls and falls with injuries. NH are responsible for ensuring the health of their residents, including minimizing falls. However, given the special care needs of residents with obesity, different factors may be important for developing programs to minimize falls among this group.

Aim: We aimed to identify NH characteristics associated with falls and falls with injuries among residents with obesity.

Method: We used resident assessment data and logistic regression analysis.

Results: We found that rates of falls and falls with injuries among residents with obesity varied significantly based on for-profit status, size, acuity index, obesity rate among residents, and registered nurse hours per patient day.

Conclusion: Recommendations are made as to how NH may be able to lower risk for falls and falls with injuries among their residents with obesity.

Keywords: Accidental falls; Nursing home; Obesity; Quality.