Illinois Nursing Home Neglect Lawyer Discusses Falls and the Elderly: Causes and Preventions
It's a fact: older people have a tendency to fall due to changes in their bodies, such as vision decline, hearing impairment, or decline in coordination. Injury from their falls is increased due to their age and weakened bones, medication side effects, chronic illness, or injured feet. Each year, one out of three adults 65 and older fall. Falls are a leading cause of death from an injury and are responsible for more than 90% of hip fractures in people over age 70.
There are many basic steps that nursing homes can and should be taking to protect our fragile loved ones:
• Encourage exercise to improve strength, balance, and muscle tone
• Schedule regular eye and hearing appointments
• Know the side effects of the medications your loved one has been prescribed
• Encourage the use of a walker or cane for support, if warranted.
• Use nonskid adhesive strips in areas that could be a slip-hazard, such as bathrooms, bathtubs, or next to beds
• Make sure floors are clear of debris, electrical cords and wires and are not highly waxed
• Make sure all rugs have good nonskid backing and that all carpets have no loose ends or rips
• Ensure the living area has good lighting, especially in stairwells, porches, or garages
• Install handrails in bathrooms and bathtubs for stability, if needed
• Provide the number of individuals necessary to help them ambulate safely
Unfortunately, too many nursing homes are so short-staffed that they are unable to provide the level of care and supervision many elderly residents need. As a result, residents fall. Thankfully, most falls do not result in serious injury. However, falls can have serious consequences up to and including death.
If your loved one needs help walking or transferring, make sure you talk to the nursing home employees and tell them that you expect them to staff the facility to meet the needs of the residents. Follow up often and, if tney are not doing so, complain to those in charge. Don't hesitate to take your loved one to a different facility.
