According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), falls injure millions of elderly individuals each year in the United States. Almost three million senior citizens are treated in emergency rooms each year for fall injuries with over 800,000 patients being hospitalized after a fall. Approximately one in four adults 65 years and older experiences a fall each year. The risk of falling doubles for elderly individuals who have had a previous fall.
How Dangerous Are Falls For The Elderly?
Falls result in serious injuries for the elderly. Falls cause ninety-five percent of hip fractures and are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries. Broken bones and fractures are common injuries from a fall.
Even if the person does not break any bones or suffer a head injury, a fall can make the person fearful of falling again. This fear can result in a decreased level of activity causing marked weakness, which increases the risk of another fall. Because the senior is afraid of falling, he or she may limit activities. The lack of stimulation can result in depression.
Can I Protect My Loved One From Falling In A Nursing Home?
The nursing home staff should take precautions and have procedures in place to reduce the risk of falling for its residents. However, there are steps that you can take to help ensure the nursing home takes all precautions to prevent your loved one from falling.
The first step is to request a risk assessment. In an assessment, the staff evaluates your loved one’s fall risk by considering factors such as physical health, medical conditions, illnesses, medications, mental status, and physical surroundings. The results of the assessment may indicate that changes need to be made to reduce the risk of a fall.
In addition to insisting that the nursing home performs a risk assessment, you can:
- Ensure safety measures are in place in the room and bathroom, including shower chairs, bed rails, hand rails, non-slip surfaces, and unobstructed walkways.
- Insist on yearly eye exams to address any vision problems.
- Demand proper lighting in the room, bathroom, and common areas to make it easier to move around without falling.
- Request physical therapy and occupation therapy to keep your loved one mobile. Regular exercise helps keep bones and muscles strong and promotes flexibility.
- Discuss Vitamin D and calcium supplements with your loved one’s physician to help prevent osteoporosis.
Do You Need A Kentucky Nursing Home Abuse Attorney?
Most nursing homes work with families to ensure that patients are safe and healthy. One of the best things you can do to prevent nursing home abuse is to spend as much time as possible with your loved one. Make random visits and get to know the nursing home staff.
If you believe the nursing home is not taking steps to prevent your loved one from falling, take action. Contact our office if you believe your loved one is the victim of nursing home abuse. Our Kentucky nursing home abuse attorney is here to help you protect your loved one from elder abuse.
Contact the Shelton Law Group by calling 1-888-761-7204 or by using our online contact form to schedule a free legal consultation with a Kentucky nursing home abuse attorney.