Falls are among the most common and preventable safety issues in nursing home facilities. Older adults are much more vulnerable to severe bodily harm that could have permanent consequences on their mobility, physical health, and psychological and emotional well-being.
These accidents are almost always the result of negligence by the care facility and are entirely avoidable. If your loved one suffered harm while at a center, you must hold them accountable. Contact a qualified and compassionate care facility abuse and neglect lawyer for help after a family member falls in a Homerville nursing home.
Nursing home falls often stem from a combination of factors, including Homerville resident vulnerabilities, staffing shortages, and caregiver or staff negligence. While it is not possible to prevent patients from falling and harming themselves altogether, many actions can limit them substantially.
The typical causes and risk factors include sedative medications that can cause balance and cognition impairments, and understaffing that often leads to delayed help and assistance for residents. Environmental hazards also play a major factor, including:
Staff also need to take the condition of residents into account, such as those who report dizzy spells, use mobility aids, or have conditions like osteoporosis or dementia. All of those factors increase the chance of suffering harm in a fall.
The most effective strategy to avoid falls is enforcing prevention techniques and using a multifaceted approach, such as regular assessments of residents, making environmental modifications, and ongoing staff training. According to the guidance of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, federal laws require nursing homes and care centers to implement interventions and follow specific guidelines, and that includes:
Using proven techniques and multifaceted protocols is essential for preventing Homerville nursing home falls.
While falling can leave anyone with painful injuries and lasting negative consequences, they are often particularly severe and life-altering for older adults. They are more likely to result in fractures, hip injuries, head injuries, and reduchttps://thehelmslawfirm.com/warning-signs-of-nursing-home-abuse-and-neglect-in-homerville/ed mobility—which can also lead to severe depression and hopelessness. Nursing home facilities have a moral responsibility and legal duty of care under federal and state laws to prevent foreseeable accidents from happening.
When medical professionals fail to provide residents with the minimum standard of care accepted by the medical community, those who suffer harm as a result of recklessness or their families can file a case in civil court to pursue compensation. A diligent Homerville lawyer who is skilled in handling cases resulting from falls in elder facilities could help navigate the process and advocate for a just outcome.
The primary responsibility of nursing homes and caregivers is keeping residents safe and preventing avoidable accidents. Unfortunately, that is often not the case. You must hold them legally and financially responsible if a facility’s negligence caused your loved one harm. Call us today to speak with a seasoned lawyer for help with cases involving falls in Homerville nursing homes.
