Nursing Home Residents Should Be Protected from Falls

Residents in nursing homes count on the facility’s design and staff members to keep them safe and provide them with the assistance they need. One of the hazards that many nursing home residents face is falls, which is why all nursing home residents should undergo a fall assessment when they move into the facility and on a regular basis after. 

A fall risk assessment ensures that the resident can receive the assistance they need so they don’t fall. This can include things like using a walker or having a staff member to help with mobility. It’s critical that the necessary measures are always followed. 

In some cases, nursing home residents don’t fall because they’re a fall risk. Other factors, such as uneven flooring, spills or items on the floor, can lead to a resident falling. Proper facility maintenance can help to prevent these. 

Serious injuries can occur

While falls can lead to injuries for anyone, the effects may be worse for nursing home residents. Many nursing home residents are elderly and may have more brittle bones than individuals who are younger. This puts them at risk of broken bones if they fall. Some broken bones, particularly broken hips, can lead to significant challenges for residents. This can lead to long-term medical care needs and possibly lengthy hospital stays. 

If a nursing home resident falls because of nursing home negligence, the resident may opt to pursue a compensation claim. These cases can be complex, so it’s usually best for them to work with someone familiar with these matters so they can focus on healing from the injuries they suffered.