Every year, between 100-200 falls are reported per 100 bed nursing home.  Additional falls take place yet go unreported.  Recent statistics show as many as 75% of nursing home residents fall annually.  This statistic is twice the rate of seniors who live in the community.  Approximately 35% of fall injuries occur among non-ambulatory residents according to a Chicago nursing home abuse attorney.  Many of these falls result in a fatality.  Elderly residents are more likely to have dangerous falls and nursing homes have a responsibility of protecting residents from falling when possible.  Lack of proper protection can be an example of Illinois nursing home neglect.

Some falls cannot be prevented; however, a nursing home can provide safety equipment, supervision and staff training that can help prevent many falls or decrease the severity of injuries.  Fall prevention requires a combination of rehabilitation, environmental modification and medical treatment.  Illinois nursing home negligence lawyers offer possible interventions:

• Equipment such as bed rails, lower beds and side alarms
• Residents who are unsteady on their feet can be given special hip padding
• Alarms can be in place to alert staff members when a patient attempts to leave a bed or get out of a chair
• Adequate staffing can help prevent falls simply by having enough staff members available to help residents get in and out of bed
• When a fall occurs, the resident must be given proper medical care
• Family members should be notified when a loved one falls

If you or a loved one has suffered a fall and feel it could have been prevented, contact a Chicago nursing home abuse attorney to discuss the circumstances.  Experienced attorneys can help you determine the proper course of action to take.

Popularity: 45% [?]

Share This