Falls are a leading cause of injury and death among elderly individuals, particularly in nursing homes where vulnerable residents are already at higher risk due to physical frailty, chronic illnesses, and environmental hazards. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 83% of hip fracture deaths are caused by falls each year, and countless other elderly people experience severe injuries that diminish their quality of life or hasten their decline.
In this blog, our top-rated Naperville elder abuse and neglect attorneys explore why falls in nursing homes often result in serious injury or death, what factors contribute to these outcomes, and how nursing homes can take proactive steps to reduce risks. We’ll also offer guidance for families navigating the aftermath of a fall and seeking accountability for neglect.
Why Are Falls So Devastating for Nursing Home Residents?
When a nursing home resident falls, the consequences are often much more severe than for a younger or healthier individual. This heightened vulnerability stems from several interconnected factors:
- Physical Frailty
Elderly residents often have reduced muscle strength, impaired balance, and weakened bones due to aging. Conditions like osteoporosis make fractures far more likely, especially in critical areas like the hip.
- Hip fractures are among the most common and severe injuries resulting from falls. They often require surgery and extensive rehabilitation, and many residents never regain full mobility.
- Spinal injuries, wrist fractures, and rib fractures are also frequent outcomes, particularly for residents with poor bone density.
- Chronic Health Conditions
Many nursing home residents suffer from chronic illnesses that make them more susceptible to fall-related complications:
- Diabetes can slow wound healing, increasing the risk of infections.
- Neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease or dementia affect coordination and judgment, raising fall risks and complicating recovery.
- Cardiovascular conditions can worsen after the stress of a fall, leading to heart attacks or strokes.
- Cognitive Impairments
Residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia may be unaware of hazards in their environment. They might attempt to walk unassisted, misjudge distances, or forget to use mobility aids like walkers or wheelchairs.
- Reduced Resilience
The body’s ability to recover from trauma diminishes with age. What might be a minor injury for a younger person can escalate into a life-threatening condition for an older adult. Common complications include:
- Infections: Even minor cuts or surgical wounds can become infected, particularly in residents with weakened immune systems.
- Blood Clots: Immobility following a fall increases the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism.
- Psychological Impact: A fall can instill a fear of falling again, leading to reduced activity and further muscle weakening.
“Falls in nursing homes are not just accidents—they’re preventable tragedies. With the right precautions, facilities can save lives and protect the dignity of their residents.” – John J. Malm, Naperville nursing home abuse and neglect attorney
Factors Contributing to Falls in Nursing Homes
The risk of falls is amplified in nursing homes due to systemic challenges and environmental hazards. Understanding these factors is essential to preventing future incidents.
- Medications
Many residents take medications with side effects like dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision. Common culprits include:
- Sedatives.
- Blood pressure medications.
- Antidepressants.
Improper medication management can significantly increase fall risks.
- Mobility Challenges
Residents often rely on mobility aids, such as walkers, wheelchairs, or canes. Without proper assistance or supervision, these aids may fail to prevent falls. For example:
- A resident might attempt to stand or walk without using their device.
- Staff may fail to transfer residents safely between beds and chairs.
- Environmental Hazards
Unsafe conditions in nursing homes are a major cause of falls. These hazards include:
- Slippery or wet floors.
- Poorly maintained handrails or grab bars.
- Dim lighting in hallways or rooms.
- Cluttered walkways or misplaced furniture.
- Staff Neglect
Understaffed or poorly trained facilities may not provide residents with the attention they need to move safely. This neglect often results in:
- Residents being left unattended for extended periods.
- Failure to assist with transfers or mobility needs.
- Ignoring individualized care plans designed to mitigate fall risks.
The Serious Consequences of Falls
Even when a fall doesn’t result in immediate death, the long-term effects can be devastating. Nursing home falls often lead to:
- Traumatic Injuries
- Hip fractures often require invasive surgery and prolonged immobility, increasing the risk of infections and blood clots.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), caused by head impacts, can lead to permanent cognitive decline or death.
- Loss of Independence
Falls frequently rob residents of their ability to walk or perform basic tasks independently. This loss can accelerate physical and emotional decline.
- Psychological Effects
After a fall, many residents develop a fear of falling again. This fear can result in reduced physical activity, which in turn weakens muscles and raises the likelihood of future falls.
- Death
For some residents, the combination of trauma, chronic conditions, and secondary complications proves fatal. Fall-related injuries are among the leading causes of death in nursing homes.
Preventing Falls in Nursing Homes
Preventing falls requires nursing homes to implement proactive strategies and maintain rigorous standards of care. Key measures include:
- Risk Assessments
Facilities should conduct regular fall risk assessments for each resident, evaluating:
- Physical strength and balance.
- Cognitive impairments.
- Medication side effects.
- Environmental hazards.
- Environmental Modifications
Simple changes to the physical environment can drastically reduce fall risks:
- Installing non-slip flooring.
- Ensuring hallways and rooms are well-lit.
- Securing grab bars and handrails in bathrooms and along hallways.
- Keeping walkways free of clutter.
- Staff Training
Staff should receive ongoing training in:
- Proper transfer techniques.
- Identifying and addressing fall risks.
- Assisting residents with mobility aids.
- Individualized Care Plans
Care plans should address each resident’s unique needs, including:
- Physical therapy to improve strength and balance.
- Adjustments to medications that increase fall risks.
- Close monitoring during high-risk activities, such as bathing or walking.
“Prevention begins with awareness. Nursing homes must proactively address fall risks rather than reacting after the fact.” – John J. Malm, Naperville nursing home injury lawyer
What to Do If Your Loved One Falls in a Nursing Home
If your loved one has experienced a fall in a nursing home, it’s essential to act quickly to ensure their safety and hold the facility accountable.
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Even if injuries appear minor, have your loved one evaluated by a medical professional. Some complications, like internal bleeding, may not be immediately visible.
- Document the Incident
Request the nursing home’s incident report and take your own notes about the circumstances of the fall. Key details to record include:
- The condition of the environment (e.g., slippery floors or poor lighting).
- Staff response time and actions.
- Statements from witnesses or other residents.
- Report the incident with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH)
- Investigate Neglect
Determine whether the nursing home could have prevented the fall. Signs of neglect include:
- Unsafe environmental conditions.
- Inadequate supervision or assistance.
- Failure to follow a resident’s care plan.
- Consult an Attorney
If negligence played a role in the fall, an experienced Naperville nursing home neglect attorney can help you pursue justice and compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages.
How John J. Malm & Associates Can Help with Your Naperville Nursing Home Injury Claim
At John J. Malm & Associates, we have extensive experience handling cases involving nursing home falls. With over 90 years of combined experience, our team of Naperville nursing home abuse and neglect lawyers is dedicated to holding negligent facilities accountable and securing justice for residents and their families.
Why Families Trust Us:
- Thorough Investigations: We uncover evidence of neglect, from environmental hazards to staff misconduct.
- Compassionate Advocacy: We understand the emotional toll these incidents take and provide personalized support throughout the legal process.
- Proven Results: Our attorneys have secured significant settlements and verdicts for victims of nursing home neglect.
“Every fall in a nursing home is a wake-up call. We fight to ensure families get answers and justice for their loved ones.” – John J. Malm, Naperville nursing home abuse attorney
Contact the Naperville Nursing Home Negligence Lawyers at John J. Malm & Associates
Falls in nursing homes often result in devastating injuries or death due to the unique vulnerabilities of elderly residents and systemic issues within facilities. However, these incidents are preventable with proper care, staff training, and environmental safety measures.
If your loved one has suffered a fall in a nursing home, you don’t have to face this alone. At John J. Malm & Associates, we are committed to protecting the rights and dignity of nursing home residents. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you pursue justice and accountability for your family. Your loved one’s safety and well-being should always come first.