When you hear the news that your loved one has had a fall in their nursing home, there’s a strange mix of emotions. You’re concerned about their health and if they’re ok, you’re worried about the long-term effect this fall might have, you’re relieved that someone was able to help them after their fall and also angry that the fall happened in the first place.
Falls are incredibly dangerous for elderly people, especially if they have other health conditions and problems that could be exacerbated by a trip or fall. What is considered a fall in a nursing home? Click the link to find out more. Ensuring you have all the right information about falls in nursing homes is crucial in ensuring your loved ones get the right care and they are in the right facility for their needs.
Read on for helpful facts about falls in a nursing home that loved ones need to know.
What causes falls in nursing homes?
There are often several factors at play in nursing home falls. Here are the most common causes:
- Abuse: The most worrying possibility. If a loved one is suffering at the hands of a caregiver and they were shoved or pushed then it’s likely that the fall was a result of abuse. You should speak to the police immediately.
- Poorly maintained facilities: Torn carpets, bad lighting, trip hazards in the walkways, slippery floors. If a facility is poorly maintained, then residents are more likely to fall.
- Mental issues: A loved one has a mental disability that may affect their balance.
- Vision issues: A loved one has a visual impairment that may have contributed to the fall.
- Medication: Did they get the wrong dosage? Or the wrong medication?
Consequences of falling
Injuries sustained from a fall can impact your loved one for the rest of their lives. The most common include:
- Hip fractures and mobility loss
- Open wounds/lacerations
- Bruising
- Loss of independence and confidence
- Head trauma and brain injuries
- Joint dislocations
- Sprains and broken bones
What should you do next?
If you believe that your loved one fell and sustained an injury because of improper care, neglect or abuse, then you should call the authorities if you believe they are being abused and reach out to an attorney to discuss a personal injury case. Their health is always of the utmost importance as it massively impacts their quality of life.
