Why Are Nursing Home Falls So Dangerous
Falls in nursing homes are alarmingly common and can lead to serious, life-altering consequences for our elderly loved ones. Understanding the dangers of nursing home falls, the various risk factors that contribute to these incidents, and the importance of fall prevention strategies can help ensure the safety and well-being of nursing home residents.
Introduction
Nursing home abuse is an unfortunate reality faced by many elderly residents, with many negative consequences. Given the prevalence of nursing home abuse, family members, caretakers, and medical professionals must understand its various forms and the potential harm it can cause.
Fall-related Injuries in Nursing Homes
Falls in nursing homes can result in a wide range of fall-related injuries, from minor bruises to severe fractures and traumatic brain injuries. Older adults, particularly nursing home residents, are at a higher risk for fall-related injuries due to age-related changes in balance, muscle weakness, and other underlying health conditions.
Nursing Home Falls Result in Serious Injuries
Nursing home falls can occur for various reasons, including environmental hazards like wet floors, inadequate lighting, and cluttered walkways. Furthermore, some nursing home residents fall due to improper medication management, which can cause dizziness or disorientation.
Preventing a Nursing Home Fall
Staff must follow protocols that prevent falls to avoid serious injuries, long-term disability, and even fall-related deaths. Nursing staff should assess each patient's fall risks and implement appropriate prevention protocols, such as providing mobility aids, ensuring proper footwear, and addressing environmental hazards that prevent falls.
Even Ground-Level Falls in Nursing Homes Are Dangerous
Common fall-related injuries, especially among an elderly patients' age group, include:
Hip fractures
Dislocations
Other severe injuries
Nursing homes also provide proper supervision during activities like bathing, exercising, and toileting to reduce the patient's risk of injury or death from fall injuries. It is crucial to determine what caused the fall and implement additional safety measures to prevent future falls.
Educating Staff on Fall Risk Factors
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and National Center for Injury Prevention and Control recognize the importance of educating nursing home staff on fall risks to reduce the incidence of nursing home falls. Implementing comprehensive fall prevention training programs can ensure that caregivers are well-equipped to identify and address the unique needs of older adults.
By understanding the various factors that contribute to patient falls, staff members can take proactive steps to minimize fall hazards and respond appropriately when a fall happens.
Education on most fall scenarios, from serious fall incidents to a low-level fall compared to more severe case, can help personnel develop a thorough understanding of fall prevention protocols, ultimately leading to improved patient safety and well-being.
Reporting Nursing Home Abuse
Who to contact: If you suspect abuse, you must report your concerns to the facility administrator, your local Adult Protective Services, or the Long-Term Care Ombudsman program in your area.
How to report: When reporting abuse, provide as much detail as possible, including the resident's name, the nature of the suspected abuse, evidence or witnesses, and actions taken by the facility.
Protections for whistleblowers: Many states have laws to protect individuals who report abuse from retaliation or discrimination.
Types of Nursing Home Abuse
Physical abuse
Emotional/psychological abuse
Financial abuse
Neglect
Common Injuries from Nursing Home Abuse
Falls and fractures: Nursing home falls are a leading cause of injury among residents, often resulting in broken bones, hip fractures, and traumatic brain injuries
Bedsores: Also known as pressure ulcers, bedsores can develop when a resident is left in the same position for extended periods, leading to painful skin damage and potential infection.
Dehydration and malnutrition: A lack of proper nutrition and hydration can cause various health complications, including weakened immune systems, cognitive decline, and increased susceptibility to illness.
Medication errors: Errors in medication administration, such as incorrect dosages or drug interactions, can lead to severe health problems or even death.
Risk Factors for Nursing Home Abuse
Underfunded facilities
Inadequate staff training
Lack of regulatory oversight
Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
Physical signs: These can include unexplained bruises, cuts, burns, traumatic brain injury, or fractures.
Emotional/behavioral signs: Changes in mood or behavior, such as increased agitation, depression, or withdrawal, may indicate emotional or psychological abuse.
Financial signs: Unexplained financial transactions, missing valuables, or sudden changes in financial documents may suggest financial abuse.
Nursing Home Bedsores
Bedsores (pressure ulcers) are a common and potentially severe issue nursing residents face. They develop when prolonged pressure restricts blood flow to the skin, causing it to break down and form painful, open sores. Nursing home patients who are immobile or have limited mobility are at an increased risk for developing bedsores, as they cannot change positions regularly.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), several factors can contribute to the development of bedsores in residents, including age, malnutrition, and muscle weakness.
Prevention of Nursing Home Abuse
Screening potential facilities: Thoroughly research and visit potential nursing homes, checking for proper licensure, staff qualifications, and regulatory compliance history.
Visiting frequently: Regular visits to your loved one can help you monitor their well-being and detect signs of abuse or neglect.
Advocating for loved ones: Stay involved in your loved one's care and voice any concerns or questions to staff.
Knowing your rights: Understanding the rights of residents and the responsibilities of facilities can help you advocate for your loved one's well-being.
Final Thoughts
Nursing home abuse is a deeply concerning issue that can lead to severe physical and emotional harm for elderly residents. By understanding the different forms of abuse, the risk factors, and the signs to watch for, we can take action to report and prevent abuse in nursing homes.
Family members, caregivers, and medical professionals must remain vigilant and work together to ensure the safety and well-being of our most vulnerable loved ones.
Filing a Nursing Home Fall Lawsuit
Should you believe your loved one suffered a fall-related injury due to neglect or inadequate care in a nursing facility, you may want to seek legal counsel from an experienced law firm specializing in nursing home fall lawsuits.