Nursing Home Injury Prevention

Healthcare professionals have a responsibility to care for our elderly population, especially those who are most vulnerable. Nursing homes are meant to provide a safe and comfortable environment for those who require additional care and support, but unfortunately, nursing home injuries are all too common.

It's a sad reality that many nursing home patients suffer serious injuries due to preventable accidents. It is why nursing home injury prevention is of utmost importance.

The personal injury attorneys at Nursing Home Law Center, LLC, legally advocate for injured caregiving residents harmed by the abuse and negligence of others.

Contact our nursing home abuse lawyers at (800) 926-7565 or use the contact form to schedule a free consultation. All confidential or sensitive information you share with our legal team remains private through an attorney-client relationship.

Nursing home injuries are common occurrences among the elderly population, particularly those in nursing homes. These injuries can be due to various causes, including environmental factors, underlying health issues, mental health problems, and sometimes negligence by staff members.

Understanding the causes and types of injuries is essential for preventing injury and providing adequate care for nursing home residents.

Many injuries can be attributed to various causes, including:

• Physical caregiving setting: Nursing patients are more susceptible to injuries due to physical obstacles, wet floors, and dark areas. These factors increase the risk of falls and other accidents.
• Physical health: Older residents who are physically frail are more prone to balance issues and muscle weakness, which can lead to serious injury.
• Mental health problems: Dementia and depression can increase the risk of injury due to a lack of awareness and coordination.
• Bed sores: Nursing home residents suffer pressure ulcers from prolonged pressure on the skin.
• Medication errors: Incorrect dosage or administration of medication can lead to serious injury. Staff in nursing facilities must prevent overmedication and follow safety features and protocols.
• Insufficient staffing: Overworked nurses often lack the time, energy, and resources to provide residents proper care.
• Negligence/inadequate care: Staff members may not be adequately trained or supervised, leaving residents vulnerable to injury from neglect.

The types of injuries vary depending on the cause and severity of the incident. Some common types of nursing injuries include:

• Falls: Physically frail nursing home residents fall twice the rate of the general elderly population, and falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths in the elderly population. Nursing residents fall due to slippery floors and lack of assistance moving around the facility, compromising their mental and physical health.
• Burns from hot liquid spills, exposed wires, and faulty electrical equipment are common injuries.
• Back injuries: Lifting and transferring residents can result in back injuries and muscle weakness for staff members, but it can also cause injuries to the patients.
• Bed sores, pressure ulcers, and decubitus ulcers are common in nursing home populations. Bed sores occur when patients are in the same position for long periods, leading to serious health complications if not treated properly.

Nursing home residents suffer more injuries than the general elderly population due to their physical frailty and underlying medical conditions. Additionally, numerous factors can increase the risk of accidents and injuries in nursing home facilities.

Identifying these increased risk factors is crucial to ensure that appropriate tactics and strategies are in place in nursing homes.

The physical environment of a nursing facility can play a significant role in resident safety. Patients suffer from mobility impairments, such as limited vision and hearing or cannot move freely. It makes them more prone to falls, trips and other physical accidents that can lead to severe injury or death.

Wet floors and physical obstacles in nursing homes can cause slipping and falling, leading to severe injuries.

Slippery floors are a common hazard in nursing homes, as residents with mobility issues can slip and fall easily. Staff members should follow safety rules and clean up spills promptly to prevent accidents.

Any physical obstacle in nursing homes, such as furniture or equipment, can also create tripping hazards for residents. Ensuring that common areas are clear of any obstacles that could cause injury.

Poor lighting is another environmental factor that can contribute to injuries. Dimly lit hallways and rooms can make it difficult for residents to see and navigate their surroundings.

Staff members should ensure that all areas are well-lit to minimize the risks of harm among the nursing home population.

Preventing injuries requires a multi-faceted approach that includes staff training, safety features, and assistive devices. By implementing effective strategies, nursing home residents can maintain independence while reducing the risks of accidents and injuries.

Staff members are essential to the safety and well-being of nursing home residents. Training programs for caregivers can provide them with the knowledge and skills to prevent injuries and respond appropriately to emergencies.

Certified nursing assistants play a vital role in the daily care of the nursing home population. By completing training and transferring programs, they can learn how to assist residents with daily activities and identify potential hazards that could cause injury.

They should receive training on transferring residents properly, preventing falls, and responding to emergencies.

Falls are a common cause of injury in nursing homes, but they can be prevented using devices such as bed rails and alarms. Additionally, overmedication can contribute to the risks of falls, so staff should ensure that patients are not overmedicated and receive appropriate care.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), vitamin D supplementation can help prevent falls and fractures in nursing home residents. Also, disease control and prevention strategies, such as frequent hand washing and personal protective equipment, can help reduce the spread of illness and infections.

If you or a loved one has been the victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, it is crucial to seek legal representation. A personal injury lawyer can help you understand your legal options and pursue a claim against the nursing home facility.

The Nursing Home Law Center, LLC is a legal team specializing in abuse and neglect cases. We offer a free consultation and work on a contingency fee, meaning you do not pay unless we win your case. Contact the Nursing Home Law Center, LLC, call (800) 926-7565 or use the contact form .

• Preventing Falls in Nursing Homes | NCBI
• Poor Lighting in Long-Term Care Facilities | NIH