3 Common Transportation-Related Incidents in Nursing Homes

Many families trust nursing homes to care for their elderly loved ones, including safe transportation for medical visits, social outings and facility transfers. However, sometimes, injuries still arise during transport. These incidents harm our seniors and raise questions about safety measures in care facilities. So let’s talk about 3 common transportation-related injuries that can occur in nursing homes.

Falls during transfers

Falls top the list of transportation-related injuries in D.C. nursing homes. They happen when moving residents from beds to wheelchairs or from wheelchairs to vehicles. Falls can cause:

• Bruises and cuts
• Fractures, especially hip fractures
• Head injuries

To prevent falls, nursing homes should use correct transfer techniques, schedule enough staff for transfers and check transfer equipment often

Wheelchair tip-overs

Wheelchair tip-overs often occur during transport or on uneven surfaces. These accidents can lead to:

• Head and neck injuries
• Broken bones
• Severe bruising

Nursing homes can lower tip-over risks by teaching staff proper wheelchair handling, securing wheelchairs in vehicles and maintaining wheelchair ramps and lifts.

Vehicle-related injuries

Injuries can happen inside transport vehicles from sudden stops, sharp turns or crashes. Common vehicle-related injuries include:

• Whiplash
• Bruises from hitting vehicle interiors
• Worsening of existing health issues

To reduce these risks, nursing homes should use vehicles with good safety features, train drivers in safe driving and secure residents and mobility devices properly.

Families should ask nursing homes about their safety measures and staff training. Talking often helps ensure better care and can stop accidents. D.C. nursing homes must follow local rules and federal ADA standards for resident transport. These laws aim to keep residents safe during travel.

Now, if you suspect your loved one suffered an injury while being in the care of a nursing home, consider reaching out to a local attorney. They can help you find out what truly happened so your loved one gets the justice they deserve.