Dangerous Falls in the Nursing Home: Some are Preventable

Dan Frith

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Elderly nursing home residents who fall often suffer serious injuries even death. Why do the elderly suffer such serious consequences from their falls? Because of other health issues like dementia, muscle atrophy, and loss of bone density.

Many falls can be prevented or the resulting injuries reduced by following appropriate treatment plans. Those plans may include broader use of floor mats, bed alarms and grab bars, to better planning around shift changes when fall risks are highest. Physical therapy to strengthen bones and muscles, as well as increasing flexibility and balance, is a must.

My Take: If your loved one has experienced falls in a nursing home ask for meeting with the Director of Nursing and Administrator and ask what changes in care are planned to both reduce the risk of future falls and to reduce the serious consequences of those falls.