Muscle weakness and postural problems are among the most common cause of falls in nursing home residents. These problems account for almost 25% of nursing home falls.
Environmental hazards (such as wet floors, poor lighting, etc.) cause between 16 to 27% of falls among nursing home residents.
Medications, especially those that affect the central nervous system (such as anti-anxiety and sedative drugs), can drastically increase the risk of falling. The first three days following a change in a patient’s medication regimen have a significantly higher chance of a fall occurring.
The more active a patient is, the less likely he or she is to suffer from a fall. Patients who have the ability to be self-ambulatory should be encouraged to continue to stay physically active.
This is the third part of a four-part series on fall traumatic falls injuries in nursing homes. To see the other blog posts, click on the links below:
- Traumatic Fall Injuries in Nursing Homes – Part 1
- Falls Risks: Assessing Internal and External Risk Factors — Part 2
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control reports that in 2010, falls among older adults cost the U.S. health care system $30 billion in direct medical costs.
If you believe your loved one has been harmed due to a nursing home’s neglect, take action and contact the Kosieradzki • Smith Law Firm online or call us toll-free at (877) 552-2873 to set up a no-cost, no-obligation consultation.
