Preventable Falls in Nursing Homes

San Antonio Nursing Home Neglect Lawyer

29% of injury deaths among adults aged 65 and older is attributed to falls. As people age, joints grow weaker and body balance shifts. Muscular degeneration and weakened vision also create a vulnerability to falls. Most nursing home injuries are preventable. A nursing home should be held liable for improperly supervising residents in preventable falls.

Federal and state laws require proper supervision, rails in bathrooms and halls, and readily accessible wheelchairs and walkers. Many falls are avoidable if each nursing home would comply with this requisite.

Common Causes of Nursing Home Falls

Even minor falls can cause severe, permanent injuries or death. Some of the most common causes of falls are:

• Muscle weakness and walking or gait problems. 24% of falls are attributed to these problems. (Rubenstein et al. 1994).
• Hazards in the nursing home cause 16% to 27% of falls involving residents. Wet floors, poor lighting, incorrect bed height, inappropriately fitting wheelchairs can all be hazardous. (Rubenstein et al. 1994; Ray et al. 1997).
• Medications or overmedicating can increase the possibility of a fall or fall-related injuries. Drugs affecting the central nervous system, such as sedatives or anti-anxiety drugs are attributable to falls. (Mustard et al. 1997; Ray et al. 2000).
• Difficulty moving from one place to another, poor foot care (Ray et al.1997), poorly fitting shoes, improper use of walking aids (Tinetti 1987) are all risks for a fall.
• Inadequate nursing staff
• Limiting resident’s freedom of movement

Preventing Falls in Nursing Homes

Most falls are preventable under the care of a nursing home. However, it takes a combination of medical care, therapy, and environmental adjustments. Adjustments include:

• Assessing patients after a fall to identify and attend to risk factors and treating the core medical conditions (Rubenstein et al. 1990).
• Altering nursing home environment by installing grab bars, raised toilet seats, lowering bed heights and handrails in the hallways (Ray et al. 1997).
• Reviewing prescription medication to evaluate potential risks and benefits and minimize use if necessary (Cooper 1994; Cooper 1997).
• Providing hip pads to the patients, so they can prevent most hip fractures during a fall (Kannus et al. 2000).
• Using alarms or devices that signal when a patient attempt to get out of bed or move without assistance (Rubenstein et al. 1994).

Death is a serious consequence of numerous falls worldwide. If a fall occurs under the neglectful watch of a nursing home, they could be legally responsible for injuries, illness or death. Residents who fall experience trauma, become bedridden, weakened, may contract pneumonia and/or die. If an unnecessary fall leads to a death, a wrongful death action may be pursued.

If you or a loved one becomes the victim of a preventable fall, contact an attorney immediately. You may be able to receive compensation for the injury, medical expenses or pain and suffering inflicted from the fall. Call me today at 210-227-1888. If you need a San Antonio area Nursing Home Lawyer. Initial consultations are always free and confidential.