A closer look at the causes of falls in nursing homes
Posted in Firm News, Medical Malpractice on November 27, 2017
For many Washington families, the process of finding and selecting a nursing home for their elderly loved ones is not a decision taken lightly. Rather, many families spend significant time, thought and resources to find a perfect fit and a facility where their loved one will be treated compassionately with access to quality care. However, in many unfortunate instances throughout the nation each year, elderly people are subjected to abuse and neglect at the hands of trusted caregivers.
One of the primary causes of injuries in many nursing homes across the nation is falls. According to the Nursing Home Abuse Guide, there are many reasons why falls occur and nearly all of them are completely preventable. Some of the most common causes for falls in nursing homes include the following:
- Poor foot care.
- Problems with how an elderly person walks.
- Improperly fitted shoes.
- Poor maintenance or fitting of various walking aids.
- Muscle weakness.
- Poor housekeeping and environmental hazards including wet floors, improper bed height and poor lighting.
Elderly folks may also be at a higher risk of falling when they have to take certain medications that may make them drowsy or compromise their balance or vision. If an elderly patient desires to move from one location to another in his or her room, he or she should be readily assisted by a staff member who is capable of supporting extra weight.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, every year in the U.S., nearly 2.8 million elderly people are treated for fall-related injuries.
Jay M. Kelly III - Managing Partner
Meet Jay M. Kelley III, a top medical malpractice attorney in Ohio with over 25 years of experience and $200 million in verdicts and settlements. He is licensed in Washington and heads Elk + Elk’s litigation strategy in state and federal courts and has a unique background as a former felony prosecutor and hospital defense lawyer. Jay specializes in complex cases, including birth injuries and wrongful death, and is recognized by Best Lawyers and ranked among the Super Lawyers Top 10 in Ohio.
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