Nursing home residents count on the staff members to help them care for their daily needs. While some residents need very little assistance, others are at risk of falling. Any fall can lead to catastrophic injuries for these individuals.
The residents in nursing homes often have factors that contribute to the likelihood that they’ll fall. Not only are they typically older, but they may be on medications that affect their mobility. Injuries and medical conditions can also exacerbate the possibility of falls.
Assessments must be completed
One of the most effective ways to prevent falls in nursing homes is for the staff to do a fall risk assessment on every resident. This should be done when the person first moves into the facility and periodically after. There should also be protocol in place to ensure the resident is regaining mobility appropriately after a fall.
Special accommodations might be necessary
Special accommodations are often necessary for nursing home residents who are deemed to have an increased risk of falling. These can include things like having someone help with toileting and mobility. Some residents might be able to simply use a walker or another assistive device.
Nursing home upkeep is crucial
Some factors that increase the risk of falls in a nursing home don’t have anything to do with the resident. Instead, things like missing or wobbly handrails, uneven floors or debris on the floors contribute to falls.
Residents who are injured in a fall need medical care at once. If nursing home negligence was a factor in the incident, they may opt to pursue a compensation claim. State law limits how long they must file the claim, so it should be done swiftly.
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