Fall-related injuries are the most common cause of accidental death in those over the age of 65. Between 50 -75 % of elder patients suffer from a nursing home fall each year and 35% of elderly fall injuries happen to nursing home patients who cannot walk. This amount is staggering when you are putting the safety of your loved one in the hands of the people who work at these homes.
What Are Preventable Falls?
Many steps can be taken within patient rooms to reduce the risk of a fall. These include:
- Lowering the bed rail
- Providing more handrails for the patient to use
- Keeping the floors dry
Additionally, staff can reduce the risk of patient falls in nursing homes by:
- Being properly trained in fall prevention
- Providing appropriate assistance to residents
- Providing call buttons or similar alert mechanisms when appropriate
- Creating an environment for residents that accounts for and guards against the risk of falls.
What Causes Preventable Falls in Nursing Homes?
While it is impossible to stop all falls, it is possible to limit the risk of serious injury or death as a result of a fall. The following ABCs identify patients who are at an increased risk of falling or having a fall that results in a major injury:
Age 85 and older
Falls are the main cause of unintentional injury or death in this age group.
Bones
Brittle bones may be at risk of fracture. This group has the largest risk of breaking a bone in a fall.
Coagulation
Anticoagulant use or history of a bleeding disorder. These patients are at higher risk of bleeding if injured in a fall.
Surgery or Other Special Procedure
This group may include younger patients who misjudge when they are ready to walk on their own.
Another way to limit the harm caused by falls is to remove or limit the use of environmental hazards in nursing homes, such as:
- Sharp edges on furniture
- Metal shelves
- Other potentially dangerous room accessories
These objects could lead to someone losing an eye, getting a laceration, or breaking a bone in a fall.
How Habush Attorneys Can Help
If you or a loved one has been injured because of the negligence of a nursing home or its staff, your priority should be to ensure that the patient is receiving necessary care from caregivers.
Let an experienced team of lawyers take on the nursing home to get the compensation you deserve. The nursing home negligence team at Habush Habush & Rottier S.C. is here to help you with your hospice or nursing home neglect claim. To discuss the details of your situation, contact us today.
