Senior Citizen Graphic Elder Abuse Awareness

FALLS

As our loved ones age, fear can become a constant companion. And among their greatest fears—and our greatest fears for them—is falling.

The CDC has studied elder falling and paints a troubling picture. Each year, nearly two thousand nursing home residents die from injuries related to their falls. And many who survive suffer permanent disability and a diminished quality of life. Also in a typical year, many nursing homes report 1-2 falls per bed—and many more falls go unreported. In fact, up to three-quarters of nursing home residents fall each year, with many falling more than one: 2.6 times on average. And up to 20% of all nursing home falls cause the resident to suffer a serious injury.

But the threat isn’t just the fall—it’s also the aftermath. After an older adult has fallen once, they can often develop a fear of falling again. This fear alone can cause depression, diminished functionality, feelings of helplessness, and withdrawal from friends, family, and social activities. All of this means that the emotional and psychological consequences of a fall can also be a severe threat to a loved one’s well being.

Why Here?

Nursing home residents have a higher risk of falling because they are usually older, suffer from more chronic conditions, and have more difficulty walking. They may also have more cognitive impairment and face more challenges with the activities of daily living—from getting dressed and using the bathroom to simply brushing your teeth. As the CDC reports, muscle weakness or gait problems account for nearly one quarter of all nursing home falls.

But environmental hazards may cause even more falls—up to 27%, according to the CDC’s findings.  Nursing homes must continually ask if they are doing all they can to minimize the risk to the residents in their care:

  • Are residents being assessed for their risk of a fall?
  • Is the staff properly educated about risks factors and prevention strategies?
  • Are all the floors dry?
  • Is all lighting sufficient?
  • Have grab bars and raised toilet seats been installed in bathrooms areas? Have handrails been installed in hallways?
  • Are beds positioned properly and at the correct height?
  • Are wheelchairs appropriately fitted and maintained?
  • Are residents receiving necessary foot care?
  • Do residents have access to hip pads to prevent hip fractures in the event of a fall?
  • Can residents safely transition from a bed to a chair or vice versa?

Were you or a loved one victim of nursing home abuse?

What Not To Do
Nursing home staff should not use restraints as a fall-prevention strategy.
Restraints do not lower the risk of a fall. In fact, they increase the risk by leading to muscle weakness and reduced physical function.

FACTORS OF FALLS

Medications also play a role. Sedatives, anti-anxiety drugs, and other medicines that affect the central nervous system can contribute to a fall. And if a prescription or dosage is changed, the risk becomes even higher for a full three days.

Understaffing is another major factor. A facility may not have enough staff members to properly screen each and every resident for their risk of falling—as it is required to by state and federal law. And a smaller staff means less supervision. Residents may be left unattended more often or for longer periods than they should be. In fact, many falls take place within only a few minutes of a staff member looking away.

It might be tempting to think of falls as an inevitable part of living in a nursing home. But many of them can be prevented—if the facility is dedicated to taking a multidisciplinary approach to the lives of its residents combining medical treatment, rehabilitation, and environmental changes.

If it's possible that you or someone you love experienced elder abuse or neglect, please share your story with our team of advisors. We want to help.

Please complete the form below for a FREE, confidential case review. There are absolutely NO upfront costs or commitments associated with submitting this form. You may have valuable legal rights - don't let them expire.

By clicking the Submit button, I consent to being contacted by Consumer Alert Services, LLC at the number I provided. I also consent to receiving advertisements and telemarketing messages by text message or pre-recorded call, either of which may be dialed by an autodialer. I acknowledge that my consent is not required for purchase, that standard message and data rates apply, and that clicking Submit constitutes my electronic signature for my consent to being contacted and my agreement to the Terms and Conditions.

Submitting this form and the information contained therein does not establish an attorney client relationship. The information submitted may be reviewed by more than one attorney and/or law firm. By submitting this form, you understand any information received in response to this questionnaire is general information for which there will be no charge. You further acknowledge that the law for each state may vary, and therefore, you will not rely upon this information as legal advice. Since this matter may require advice regarding your home state, local counsel may be contacted for referral of this matter. By clicking Submit, you acknowledge that the information viewed is advertising and you agree to receive future advertisements from Consumer Alert Services and/or its partners.