What Causes Slip and Falls in Nursing Homes?

For older individuals, falls are very serious. Seniors are more likely to suffer serious injury due to muscle loss and frail bones. They also experience slower healing times, which leads to chronic pain and loss of independence. Additionally, falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths and hospitalizations among older adults.

Unfortunately, a slip and fall accident can happen anywhere, including in nursing homes. Below, our Tampa falling incidents attorneys outline the most common causes of falls in nursing homes.

Improper Supervision 

Staff members are expected to watch residents closely to protect them from falls. Nursing home residents often have trouble thinking clearly and they may struggle with mobility issues. These issues require constant care and attention and when residents are not supervised properly, falls are much more likely. One of the main reasons residents are not properly supervised is because long-term care facilities are notoriously understaffed, meaning there are fewer workers to supervise residents.

Improper Maintenance 

Unsafe conditions in nursing homes can also cause a slip and fall accident. Messy hallways, wet floors, and dim lighting significantly increase the risk of accidents. Mobility assistive devices such as wheelchairs and walkers can also result in a fall if they are not properly maintained. All devices, and all areas of a nursing home, are regularly inspected and maintained.

Insufficient Staff Training

Proper training can teach nursing home staff members how to prevent falls. Without sufficient training, workers may not know what to do in an emergency, or they may fail to notice dangers, such as torn carpeting. Testing staff members after they have received training can indicate whether staff members are equipped to prevent falls. Reviewing reports of previous falls can also show common issues and help staff members improve the care they provide.

Negligent Hiring Practices 

Before nursing home facilities can train staff, they must ensure they are only hiring experienced and qualified individuals. This requires nursing home administrators to conduct background checks, check references, and more. Nursing homes sometimes fail to take these critical steps in an effort to save time and money, without thinking about the residents who could become hurt in the future.

Medication Side Effects and Errors

Many medications have serious side effects and when a senior takes five or more medications, it also increases the risk of falls. Nursing home staff members should watch for side effects and adjust medications and dosages when necessary. Staff members must also take great care when administering medications to ensure proper dosages are given and that the correct medications are administered to the appropriate patients.

Call Our Falling Incidents Attorneys in Tampa Today 

Falls are very serious for older individuals. If your loved one has fallen and suffered injuries in a nursing home, our Tampa falling incidents attorneys at Kohn Law can help. Our experienced attorneys can determine what caused your family member’s fall so you know who to hold accountable for paying damages. Call us today at 813-428-8504 or contact us online to schedule a consultation and to learn more about how we can help.

Source:

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0400-0499/0400/0400.html