When older people in nursing homes fall, it can put their physical and mental health at risk. The nursing home’s physical environment, such as equipment or cluttered walkways, may increase the risk of someone falling. Additionally, medication issues and staffing shortages can make it more likely that a patient falls and hurts themselves. If neglect or abuse is the suspected reason for the nursing home falls, loved ones are encouraged to talk to a nursing home abuse attorney to learn about how to keep their family members safe.
Why Falls in Nursing Homes Are a Serious Issue
Patients who are in long-term care facilities are often vulnerable to infections, falls, and other injuries. They may also find it challenging to maintain and gather their footing when they start to fall, which can make the resulting injuries more severe. Because of this, it is especially important for facilities to take sufficient steps to protect their residents from preventable falls.
Top Causes of Nursing Home Falls in South Carolina
Many different factors can cause people in nursing homes to fall, including the resident’s health, a lack of proper support from staff, and defective railings on beds. Many of the causes of falls are preventable if the facility’s staff were more attentive to the patient’s needs. Residents who are hurt in falls in nursing homes may be the victims of negligence and have a right to sue for compensation.
Environmental Hazards
The resident’s physical environment may put them at a higher risk of falling. For example, loose carpet, improperly assembled rails on their bed, cluttered hallways, and defective assistive devices may all play a role in an eventual fall.
Staffing Issues
The nursing home staff have a legal and ethical obligation to provide a minimum level of care to the patients they serve. Unfortunately, many facilities do not properly train those who work for them. Additionally, they may not keep enough employees on their roster or working each shift, which puts residents at risk. Without having someone there to help patients move around safely or be looked after, the patient is more likely to trip or fall.
Medication Side Effects
Medications can be incredibly helpful in managing a resident’s physical and mental health. However, some prescriptions can cause significant side effects that make it harder for the person to think, move, and talk. As a result, they may be more likely to stumble or fall if they try to move on their own or without proper assistance. Nursing home staff have a responsibility to monitor patients, especially those who are on medications like sedatives that can cause side effects.
Medical Conditions
Other causes of nursing home falls include the medical conditions that the patient has. For example, they may have neurological problems or a physical disability that makes it difficult for them to walk, steady themselves, or move around on their own. For this reason, staff at the facility should make sure to monitor patients and quickly respond to requests for help.
Improper Use of Mobility Aids
Another reason why nursing home residents may fall is that they do not have the correct devices to help them walk, stand, sit, reposition themselves, or lie down on their own. For example, someone may be given a defective walker or cane, or one that is not appropriate for their condition. Because of this, the resident may be unsteady and have an increased chance of falling.
How Families Can Help Prevent Falls
Families can work together to help their loved ones decrease their chances of falling in nursing homes. They can communicate with the staff about the training and resources available to help the staff support and protect residents. The family members can also regularly check in with their loved ones about their mobility concerns, medications, interactions with staff, and equipment. They can also take note of reassuring and concerning trends they see during their visits to the facility.
Legal Recourse When Falls Occur Due to Negligence
If your loved one’s fall was the result of misconduct or negligence, there are several legal actions you or your loved one can take. For instance, they can report the incident to the authorities, such as Adult Protective Services or the Long-Term Care Ombudsmen.
They can also reach out to a lawyer for help investigating what occurred and developing a proper course of action. For example, the lawyer might talk to the facility about the cause of the fall and take steps to hold them accountable for the losses your loved one experienced.
Contact Dan Pruitt Injury Law Firm Today
Sadly, many nursing home falls happen because of negligence, such as if the facility is not adequately maintained or staffed. In these situations, the resident who is injured may qualify for a settlement against the doctors, staff, and hospital that is responsible for their losses.
Dan Pruitt Injury Law Firm is a proud and effective advocate for victims of nursing home abuse and neglect in South Carolina. Our founding attorney, Dan Pruitt, has been fighting for the elderly and their families for over 30 years. Contact us today by calling (864) 721-6885 to find out how we can help you.