Watch Out for Old Bones: They Break Easily

Dan Frith

Contributor

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Accidents in nursing homes are causing injury and even death to our nation’s elderly. In fact, each year average sized nursing homes of approximately 100 beds report anywhere from 100 to 200 slip and falls. Although not all accidents result in fatalities, those that fall may experience reduced quality of life, difficulty in movement, or other serious injuries.

The figures of nursing slip or fall accidents are staggering. Nursing home residents account for 20% of the fall related deaths for those 65 years and older. Of those living in nursing homes, 3 out of 4 residents will slip or fall within the year. This figure is twice the number of those older adults living outside nursing homes in the community. Even more alarming is the fact that residents are falling more than once throughout the year. The average number is 2.6 falls per the year for each nursing home resident.

These falls do not always allow for an easy or quick recovery. Approximately 1,800 people who reside in nursing homes die each year from slips or falls. Those that fall but do not suffer a fatal injury, can disable themselves for the rest of their life, causing depression and feelings of helplessness.

So why are these falls occurring more frequently in nursing homes? The answer is obvious: Residents in nursing homes are usually more dependent and frail than those living outside homes in the community.

With the incidence of falls on the rise, prevention is essential in nursing homes. Prevention steps can include staff education as to risk factors that lead to falls, making resident life easier and more convenient to the residents, and making changes in facilities such as adjusting toilet heights, adding hand rails, and lowering bed heights. Also, making hip pads available to patients to help support them during a fall could prevent serious injuries.

For those with loved ones in nursing homes, or those that work in nursing homes, ensuring that the facilities meet appropriate and safe conditions can mean the difference between longevity and healthy life for your loved ones, or a possibility of a slip and fall accident.

My Advice: First, don't be a victim...be proactive and insist that the facility take appropriate actions and implement safeguards to reduce or prevent falls. Second, if you, or anyone you know has been victim of a slip and fall in a nursing home, contact legal counsel to discuss your legal rights.