Nursing homes are responsible for the safety of residents. However, falls are a major problem among residents. A significant percentage of residents fall every year, sustaining minor to serious injuries.
Here are two common causes of falls in nursing homes:
1. Environmental hazards
Environmental factors substantially contribute to the falls reported in nursing homes. These include inadequate lighting, slippery falls, uneven flooring, clutter, lack of or inadequate mobility aids, poorly maintained equipment like wheelchairs and inadequate staffing.
A nursing home that does not employ the right measures to eliminate these factors could be considered negligent.
2. Medications
Some medications cause drowsiness, dizziness or lightheadedness, which are side effects that can cause someone to fall. After administering such medication, a nursing home should monitor a resident to ensure they are safe. Or have healthcare providers regularly review a resident’s medication to determine if they should adjust the dosage or switch to a medication with fewer side effects.
Staffing inadequacies play a major part in falls that occur as a side effect of medications. When no one is monitoring a resident who is likely to fall, or no one even notices they are experiencing a side effect that may harm them, it can be difficult to prevent a fall.
Another medical-related element that can cause falls is existing medical conditions. A resident with Alzheimer’s or other dementias or a balance disorder is at high risk of falling. If they use the stairs without help because of inadequate staffing, they may be injured. Residents with a history of falls and poor vision should also be closely monitored.
If your loved one sustained an injury after a fall in a nursing home, get more information to establish if the facility acted negligently.
