It’s not easy to make the decision to send a loved one to a nursing home. But family members can move forward knowing that their loved one is being cared for and monitored in a safe environment.
Unfortunately, residents are not always kept safe in nursing homes. One major problem is when residents fall.
When younger people fall, they may quite literally “bounce right back” without injury.
But when an elderly person falls, the results can be life-changing. The resident may suffer:
- Bruising and cuts
- Broken bones
- Hip fractures
- Traumatic brain injury
- Other serious injuries
Many of these injuries can cause permanent pain and damage. In the most serious of cases, a resident may suffer fatal injuries as the result of a fall in a nursing home or retirement home.
Often, nursing home residents can do little to keep themselves safe, and depend solely on staff. Physical and mental conditions may limit residents. They may try to get up out of wheelchairs and beds when they are not supposed to. They may be prone to wandering. They may be unsteady on their feet.
Nursing homes have a responsibility to keep residents safe. This means taking measures to prevent falls and identifying residents that are prone to falling. While not all falls can be prevented, many can with the right preparation and care.
Falls in a nursing home are a major concern. If your loved one has been injured, please contact our law office to schedule a free consultation with an attorney: Call (713) 222-7211 or 713-222-7211.