What is the primary purpose of cohorting in nursing homes?

Cohorting in nursing homes is primarily aimed at grouping residents who are infected with the same pathogen. This practice is crucial for infection prevention and control, as it helps to limit the spread of infections within the facility. By keeping infected residents together, staff can implement targeted infection control measures, such as dedicated staff, equipment, and spaces, thereby reducing the risk of transmission to uninfected residents. Cohorting allows for better management of infection outbreaks, ensuring that outbreaks do not spread beyond the initially affected group.

While the other options mention aspects that may seem relevant, they do not align with the primary objective of cohorting. For instance, increasing resident social interactions, enhancing facility aesthetics, and providing individual therapy are not focused on controlling infections. Instead, they reflect broader aspects of care that, while important, do not directly address the pressing need for infection control during outbreak situations.