What your Virginia nursing home should be doing to prevent falls

A fall – even one from ground-level (while standing) – can be absolutely devastating for an older adult.  Elderly adults are far more likely than younger adults to be seriously injured or killed if they fall, which is why Virginia nursing homes and assisted living facilities should be doing everything possible to prevent falls in the first place.

 

Is your loved one’s nursing home safe?

 

If your loved one was injured in a nursing home fall or if you are worried about falls, find out if the nursing home:

• Secured all loose carpeting to avoid a trip & fall hazard
• Installed secure railings on both sides of all stairwells
• Installed secure hand rails in all tubs and showers
• Continuously ensures that hallways and doorways are free of debris and clutter that may cause a fall
• Evaluate all residents when they arrive and periodically during their stay to determine how likely they are to suffer a fall
• Develop a fall care plan for residents at risk of falling, and maintain and update this care plan on a regular basis

 

There is more that facilities in Virginia can do to protect elderly and infirm residents.  If your loved one has suffered a fall while in a nursing home or assisted living facility, please call our office or fill out our online contact form.  We can discuss your case with you confidentially for no cost or obligation, and you can use the information we give you to decide how you want to proceed.