It is no secret that nursing home falls are a very serious matter, frequently leading to injuries that can impact a resident’s quality of life considerably. A comprehensive understanding of where these falls often happen can help ensure a safer environment for our elderly loved ones. However, when falls do happen, and residents are injured, families may decide to contact an attorney practicing in Illinois, particularly in cases where negligence or abuse led to the fall.
Hazards in Patient and Resident Rooms Lead to Falls
While these rooms are intended to be safe, they are all too often the site where so many falling accidents in nursing homes occur, especially when the space is not well managed by staff. Factors like clutter, poor lighting, and slippery floors contribute to the likelihood of a fall.
When residents experience confusion or unsteadiness, the resident may try to get out of bed without assistance, leading to a fall. Ensuring that the environment is free from obstacles and that residents have easy access to call buttons can help reduce the risk of falls. Things like bed alarms and proper positioning of furniture can also help mitigate these dangers, making patient and resident rooms safer places.
Bathrooms Are Home to Slippery Hazards
Bathrooms in nursing homes are another high-risk area for serious falls. The presence of water, slippery floors, and tight spaces can create a hazardous environment for elderly residents, who often have limited mobility and balance issues. Falls in bathrooms can result in serious injuries due to the hard surfaces and confined spaces.
Installing grab bars, non-slip mats, and proper lighting can help reduce the risk of falls in bathrooms. Staff should be trained to assist residents with bathroom needs and maintain vigilant oversight during these activities. Sadly, poor supervision and delayed response times to residents’ requests for assistance can greatly increase the risk of a fall.
High-Risk Periods for Falls in Nursing Homes
Not just the location but also the timing play an important role in the likelihood of falls in nursing homes. Falls often happen at night, after meals, or during shift changes. At night, reduced room visibility and staffing levels can contribute to an increased fall risk. The use of nightlights and ensuring that residents can easily reach call buttons can help mitigate these risks.
After meals, residents may feel increased drowsiness or be generally unsteady, particularly if he or she has consumed medications that contribute to drowsiness. Staff should be increasingly attentive during these times and make certain residents are safely escorted to rooms or common areas. Furthermore, falls may take place during shift changes, when lapses in supervision or communication can occur among staff. This also contributes to the risk of falls occurring.
Contact Our Peoria, IL Nursing Home Falls Attorney
While nursing homes ought to have safety measures in place to help prevent falls, all too often, they do not. If your loved one fell and is injured, contact the experienced Peoria County, IL nursing home falls lawyers with Nursing Home Injury Center. Call 309-524-6900 for a free consultation.
