Why Are Nursing Home Falls So Dangerous?

The goal of a nursing home is to provide care to keep its residents safe. However, there are times when something can happen, such as a fall. These incidents are a major concern for nursing home staff members, residents, and their loved ones.

When a person in a care facility falls, it can leave them with significant injuries and even increase their risk of death. Let’s explore why falls in nursing homes are dangerous and what can be done to eliminate their risk.

Physical Injuries

Falls can lead to serious physical injuries, including fractures, head trauma, and internal bleeding. Since older adults experience reduced bone density and impaired balance, the consequences can be devastating. One of the most common injuries is hip fractures. Hip fractures are common in older adults, leading to 300,000 hospitalizations per year, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data. Many times, it can leave the resident with long-term immobility issues and chronic pain. Often, they will need to have surgery.

When someone falls, they can hit their head on another object or on the floor. Even a minor fall can result in traumatic brain injury (TBI). According to the CDC, falls are one of the leading causes of TBI, especially in older adults. Many times, these injuries may go unnoticed initially but lead to severe complications over time. For residents on blood-thinning medications, the risk of brain bleeds following a fall could lead to more serious complications.

Along with immediate injuries, falls can trigger other types of health issues, such as infections from prolonged immobilization, pressure ulcers, and worsening of pre-existing conditions. These injuries not only diminish the resident’s quality of life but also increase mortality rates. Additional CDC data shows that falls are a leading cause of injury-related deaths among adults aged 65 and older.

Psychological Impact

The effects of falls are not limited to physical issues. Sometimes, the psychological consequences can be just as devastating for those who have experienced a fall. Many residents develop a fear of falling, known as post-fall syndrome. In turn, they might reduce their activity levels, withdraw from social events, and feel helpless. Unfortunately, decreased physical activity leads to muscle weakness and poor balance. As a result, it can increase the risk of future falls.

Why Do Falls Happen in Nursing Homes?

Falls should never happen in a nursing home. There are several reasons why these incidents occur:

Resident Vulnerability

Nursing home populations consist of individuals with serious health challenges. Many residents suffer from conditions like dementia, Parkinson’s disease, or stroke. All of those conditions can impair mobility, judgment, and coordination. Medications commonly prescribed for these conditions, such as sedatives and blood pressure drugs, can lead to balance issues and increase fall risk.

Environmental Hazards

While nursing homes are designed to be safe, some residents could encounter environmental hazards in the facility. Poor lighting, slippery floors, uneven surfaces, and cluttered pathways can all contribute to falls. Even improperly adjusted bed heights or unstable furniture may be a factor in these incidents.

Inadequate Staffing

Understaffing or insufficiently trained staff might not be able to provide assistance to residents who need help. Residents attempting to move around their surroundings without proper support are more likely to fall. Additionally, overburdened staff may not identify and address hazards. This can lead to neglecting the residents’ needs in the home.

Inappropriate Equipment

The absence of walkers, grab bars, or wheelchairs can lead to preventable falls. In some cases, equipment may not meet the individual needs of residents. In turn, that can increase their risk of tumbling down.

How To Prevent Falls

All nursing homes should have a plan in place to eliminate the risk of falls. In any case, these incidents are preventable and should never happen in a well-managed facility. Preventing falls starts with:

Comprehensive Risk Assessments

There should be regular fall risk assessments to identify at-risk residents and address their needs. Tools like the Morse Fall Scale and Timed Up and Go (TUG) test are widely used to evaluate mobility, balance, and other risk factors.

Facility Modifications

Nursing homes must maintain a safe environment by eliminating tripping hazards, improving lighting, and installing grab bars and non-slip flooring. With routine inspections and immediate repairs, nursing homes can minimize the risks of falls.

Staff Training

Training programs should focus on recognizing fall risks, assisting with safe mobility, and responding effectively to falls when they occur. Along with that, all facilities should be properly staffed to address the needs of these residents.

Resident-Centered Care Plans

With individualized care plans, these care centers can create a plan that incorporates physical therapy, strength training, and balance exercises to help residents maintain mobility and reduce fall risk. Medications should also be reviewed regularly to minimize side effects that contribute to falls.

Use of Advanced Technology

Wearable devices, motion sensors, and automated alerts can help with fall prevention and improve response times. These technologies can provide an additional layer of protection for residents and give some peace of mind to caregivers.

Falls in nursing homes can lead to dangerous consequences for residents. All facilities and their staff members need to take steps to prevent these incidents from occurring.

In cases where your loved one has suffered a fall due to the negligent actions or inactions of a nursing home and its staff, you may want to take legal action.