Nursing home residents count on the staff members to keep them safe, but this requires that each resident has a customized plan for themselves that takes various factors into consideration. Many people who are in nursing homes are there because they can’t care for themselves on a daily basis. They may need help with regular activities of living, such as eating, dressing or remaining mobile.
One of the serious risks that nursing home residents face is falls. According to a study published on PubMed, approximately 57.9% of nursing home residents fall at least once each year. That is a much higher rate than what’s present outside of these facilities.
Fall risk assessments are a first line of defense
Fall risk assessments are one of the primary tools that nursing homes have to prevent falls. This should be done when the resident moves in, as well as at regular intervals or if the resident’s situation changes. Part of the fall risk assessment takes things like the resident’s stability on their feet, medications and medical conditions the resident has. If there are any concerns about the resident falling, they should be marked as a fall risk and provided with tools and assistance to prevent a fall from occurring.
Nursing home residents who fall are at risk of serious injuries. Things like fractured hips, spinal cord injuries and brain injuries are possible. All of these can be devastating for these residents.
Approximately 24.2% of falls in nursing homes require hospitalization, which can be costly and difficult for the victim. When the fall is the result of nursing home negligence or abuse, the resident may opt to pursue a compensation claim. These cases can be complex, so it’s best to work with someone familiar with them so they handle things in a suitable manner.