Nursing home residents count on the staff members at the facility to keep them as safe as possible. One of the risks the residents face is falling. While younger individuals might be able to fall without getting seriously injured, long-term care residents are often older and may have weaker bones, which means they can suffer a catastrophic injury in a fall.
Preventing resident falls starts when the resident first moves into the facility. All residents should have a fall risk assessment, which takes a look at some of the more common reasons falls might occur.
What may increase the risk of falls?
There are several things that can increase the risk of falls in nursing home residents. These include cognitive changes, medications and changes in their balance. Documenting these, having periodic evaluations to determine how the fall risk has changed and addressing fall risks in a suitable manner are all critical.
Sometimes, the condition of the floors and lack of maintenance of the facility are factors. Because of this, it’s critical that floors are kept clean and in good repair. Additionally, handrails must be provided as necessary.
Ultimately, it’s up to the employees at the long-term care facility to take steps to protect residents. When a resident suffers harm in a fall that was the result of the negligence of the staff members, they may opt to pursue a compensation claim to help offset the financial expenses of the injury. This must be done swiftly to prevent the time limit by law passing before the person takes action against the nursing facility.