Falls are a leading cause of injury and death among elderly residents in nursing homes. Surprisingly, studies have shown that elderly nursing home residents, who have access to professional caregivers, suffer around two to three times more falls than individuals of the same age living in the community (Rubenstein, 1997; American Geriatrics Society, 2001). While some may see these incidents as unfortunate accidents, many falls could have been prevented with proper care and supervision. In fact, repeated falls or severe injuries from falls can be a sign of neglect within a nursing home. Understanding how falls happen, why they’re often preventable, and what legal steps you can take if your loved one is harmed can help protect your family and hold negligent facilities accountable.
Why Nursing home Falls Are Often Preventable
Falls in nursing homes are typically more than just accidents; they are often the result of inadequate care or attention. Many elderly residents have mobility issues, are on medications that affect balance, or suffer from cognitive impairments that make them more susceptible to falls. Given these risks, nursing homes have a duty to implement measures that minimize the likelihood of falls.
Here are some common reasons nursing home falls occur — and why many could have been avoided with proper care:
1. Failure to Assess Fall Risks
Upon admission, nursing home staff should assess each resident’s fall risk. This includes reviewing their medical history, medications, and mobility issues. High-risk residents may require additional care, such as assistive devices, closer supervision, or regular mobility assistance. If nursing homes neglect to assess these risks, they fail to prevent falls proactively.
2. Inadequate Staffing
Understaffed nursing homes may not have enough caregivers to adequately monitor residents, especially those who are at a high risk of falling. This leads to a lack of supervision, delays in responding to call lights, and inadequate assistance with moving or using the bathroom. Without proper support, residents may attempt to walk or transfer themselves unsafely, leading to falls.
3. Improper Use of Assistive Devices
Many residents rely on walkers, canes, or wheelchairs to move around safely. However, if these devices are not properly maintained or adjusted, they can increase the risk of a fall. Nursing home staff should ensure that these devices are in good working order and that residents are properly trained to use them.
4. Unsafe Environment
Nursing homes must maintain a safe and hazard-free environment for their residents. Common environmental hazards that contribute to falls include:
- Poor lighting in hallways or rooms
- Slippery or uneven floors
- Cluttered walkways or improperly placed furniture
- Lack of handrails in bathrooms or along hallways
When these hazards are not addressed, nursing homes place their residents at a much higher risk of falling.
The Role of Nursing Home Staff in Preventing Falls
Preventing falls in nursing homes requires a comprehensive approach, with staff playing a critical role in keeping residents safe. Nursing homes have both a legal and ethical obligation to implement fall-prevention measures. Below are key responsibilities of nursing home staff that, when neglected, can lead to unnecessary falls:
1. Regular Supervision
Residents with mobility issues should never be left unattended, particularly when getting in and out of bed, using the restroom, or moving around. If a resident requires help with these activities, staff must be available to assist them. Leaving residents unsupervised in situations where they are likely to fall is a clear sign of neglect.
2. Routine Repositioning and Transfers
Many nursing home residents need help moving from a bed to a wheelchair or walking from one room to another. If staff fail to assist with these transfers or don’t use proper techniques, residents can easily fall and injure themselves. Nursing homes should train their staff to handle these transfers safely and ensure adequate assistance is provided at all times.
3. Prompt Response to Call Lights
When residents need help, they often use a call light to alert staff. Delayed responses to these calls, especially when residents need help with mobility or toileting, can lead to falls. If a resident has to wait too long, they may attempt to get up on their own, putting them at risk of falling.
4. Developing and Following Care Plans
After assessing a resident’s fall risk, nursing homes should develop individualized care plans that address those risks. This may include assigning specific staff to regularly assist with mobility, making adjustments to their environment, or prescribing physical therapy to improve balance and strength. Failing to follow or update these care plans is a form of neglect that can result in falls and serious injuries.
Legal Action Families Can Take After a Fall
When a loved one suffers a fall in a nursing home, it’s natural to feel upset and concerned. However, families should understand that in many cases, these falls are preventable, and the nursing home may be legally responsible for the injury. Here are the steps you can take if your loved one is injured in a fall due to nursing home neglect:
1. Document the Incident
As soon as you learn of the fall, start documenting everything. Request the facility’s incident report and medical records related to the fall. Take photos of any visible injuries, and keep notes on what nursing home staff tell you about the circumstances surrounding the fall. If possible, speak to other residents or visitors who may have witnessed the incident.
2. Report the Fall to Authorities
Most states have agencies responsible for investigating nursing home complaints, such as the long-term care ombudsman or adult protective services. Reporting the fall to these authorities can prompt an investigation into the facility’s safety practices and may lead to corrective action.
3. Seek Medical Care
Make sure your loved one receives immediate medical attention following the fall. This is important not only for their health but also for documenting the extent of their injuries. Falls can lead to broken bones, head injuries, or long-term mobility issues, all of which may require extensive treatment.
4. Consult with a Nursing Home Neglect Attorney
Falls caused by nursing home neglect can result in serious physical, emotional, and financial damage. Consulting with a lawyer who specializes in nursing home neglect can help you understand your legal options. You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and even punitive damages if the facility’s negligence was egregious.
Conclusion
Falls in nursing homes are not just unfortunate accidents — in many cases, they are preventable and occur due to negligence. When nursing home staff fail to provide adequate care or maintain a safe environment, residents are put at risk of severe injury or death. Families must be aware of their legal rights and take action when falls result from neglect. By holding nursing homes accountable, families can help ensure their loved ones receive the care and protection they deserve.
The Powless Law Firm is an Indiana law firm that represents victims and families state-wide in serious cases involving nursing home neglect, medical negligence, personal injury and wrongful death. If you have concerns about nursing home neglect or abuse, please contact us at 877-469-1292. Together we can make a difference.
REFERENCES
American Geriatric Society, British Geriatrics Society, and American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Panel on Falls Prevention. (2001) (Guideline for the prevention of falls in older persons. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2001;49:664-672.
Rubenstein LZ. (1997) Preventing falls in the nursing home. Journal of the American Medical Association 1997;278(7):595-6