Falls are one of the leading causes of preventable injuries in nursing homes. Within 24 hours of a resident moving in, the nursing staff must complete a scoring tool, such as the Morse Fall Scale, to determine the fall risk of the resident. The results of that test help to determine what type, if any, of assistance the resident will need with mobility.
There are several things that can impact the likelihood that a resident will fall. These include medications, altered walk or balance and any prior falls. Talking to the resident and getting a comprehensive history can help to unearth even small increases in fall risks.
Types of mobility assistance
There are many types of mobility assistance that might reduce the fall risk for residents. One of the most important is that anyone who has an increased fall risk is clearly noted as such. Some nursing homes use brightly colored bracelets, but others may have other methods.
For those who have a serious fall risk, personal assistance is often needed. This means the person will likely need a nurses aide to help them with daily activities, such as using the restroom. Once a significant fall risk is noted, the nursing home must provide the assistance or it may be found negligent if the resident falls.
Nursing homes should also provide other assistive devices, such as handrails in the halls and stairways. They should also have non-slip strips on sloped surfaces and stairs. Walkers and wheelchairs may also benefit many residents.
Falls in nursing homes can lead to catastrophic injuries, so residents who fall will likely need immediate medical attention. They may opt to seek compensation if negligence or malpractice was at the heart of the issue.
