Nursing homes are supposed to provide a safe environment for elderly residents, but unfortunately, falls are common. Nursing home falls can result in serious injuries that can have a lasting impact on the health and well-being of the resident. In this article, we will discuss the most common causes of nursing home falls.
Environmental Hazards
One of the leading causes of nursing home falls is environmental hazards. These hazards can include wet floors, poor lighting, cluttered walkways, uneven surfaces, and loose rugs. In addition, the lack of handrails or grab bars in bathrooms and showers can also contribute to falls.
The nursing home staff is responsible for identifying and removing these hazards to prevent falls. If a nursing home fails to do so, it may be held liable for any injuries that result from a fall.
Medication Side Effects
Many elderly residents in nursing homes take medications that can cause dizziness, drowsiness, or confusion. These side effects can increase the risk of falls.
Nursing home staff should be aware of the potential side effects of their residents’ medications and take steps to prevent falls. This may include adjusting the dosage or timing of the medication or providing additional supervision to residents at risk of falling.
Mobility Issues
Mobility issues are another common cause of nursing home falls. Elderly residents may have difficulty walking or moving around due to age-related changes, chronic conditions, or recent surgeries. They may also use assistive devices such as walkers or canes, which can be challenging to navigate. Nursing home staff should assess each resident’s mobility and provide appropriate assistance and accommodations to reduce the risk of falls.
Understaffing
Understaffing is a significant problem in many nursing homes. When insufficient staff members provide adequate supervision and assistance, residents may be more likely to fall.
Nursing home staff should be trained to identify and respond to residents at risk of falling. They should also be able to provide prompt assistance when a fall occurs to prevent further injury.
Lack of Training
Nursing home staff should receive proper training on fall prevention techniques and strategies. This includes identifying environmental hazards, monitoring residents for mobility issues, and responding appropriately when falls occur.
Staff should also be trained on how to properly use assistive devices and how to assist residents who need them. Lack of training can lead to a higher risk of falls and injuries.
Legal Action
If a nursing home fails to provide a safe environment for its residents and a fall occurs, the resident or their family may need to consult a nursing home injury lawyer. A nursing home injury lawyer can help the resident or their family pursue legal action against the nursing home for any injuries that result from the fall. This may include compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Hiring an Attorney for Nursing Home Falls
Nursing home falls are a severe problem that can result in significant injuries and even death. Environmental hazards, medication side effects, mobility issues, understaffing, and lack of training are the most common causes of nursing home falls. Nursing home staff should be trained to identify and respond to these risk factors to prevent falls from occurring. If a fall occurs, the resident or their family may need to seek legal action to hold the nursing home accountable for any injuries.
Work with a nursing home injury lawyer who can help you with your case and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve when choosing Minkow Domin. We understand the devastating impact a nursing home fall can have on a resident and their family, and we are committed to helping you achieve justice and closure. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help you with your nursing home injury case.
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