• Home
• Practice Areas
• Our Office
• Library
• FAQs
• Case Results
• Testimonials
• Resources
• Contact Info

Falls in Nursing Homes CAN and SHOULD be Prevented

Every year around 1,800 nursing home residents die as the result of a fall, and tragically many of these accidents could have been avoided. Even if a fall does not kill, the resulting injuries and physical limitations can dramatically reduce the quality of a nursing home resident’s life.

If you have a loved one in a nursing home, assisted living facility or long-term care residence then you may be wondering what steps can be taken to prevent a deadly nursing home fall before it happens.

Preventing nursing home slips and falls

• Have a doctor check your loved one’s bone strength using a bone mineral density test. If a resident’s bones are weak, the doctor may be able to make recommendations to make them stronger.
• Find out the last time the resident’s hearing and sight were tested. Even small deficiencies or changes in either can make an elderly person more likely to trip and fall.
• If a resident is on medication – over the counter or prescription – make sure that somebody is watching for side effects or an adverse reaction that could make the resident more susceptible to a fall.
• Make sure the resident has a cane, walking stick, or walker readily available to help them get around safely.
• Check to see if the resident has non-slip soles on their shoes and slippers so they are less likely to slip and fall on uncarpeted surfaces.
• Check the nursing home and make sure that it is well-lit and free of clutter. A dim, messy room or hall can lead to falls and other accidents.
• If there are area rugs, check to see if they are held in place with no-slip strips or a carpet pad. Better yet, move them out of the way if possible. Area rugs are a tripping hazard.
• Make sure grab bars in rooms and bathrooms are at the right height and are firmly affixed to the wall. Loose bars should be firmly reattached and bars should be added to areas where they would benefit residents (i.e. in the stairwell and near the toilet, tub and shower).
• Check if night-lights and light-switches are appropriately located so residents don’t have to fumble in the dark and risk a fall.
• Make sure the nursing home maintains the residents’ rooms and common areas at a comfortable temperature. If residents become too warm or too cold they can become dizzy and fall.

The truth is that falls and slips don’t just “happen” – there is usually a reason. Please do not hesitate to get help if you suspect nursing home neglect or abuse. The experienced attorneys at the Norfolk based law firm of Weisberg & Zaleski, P.C. will discuss your concerns with you for no cost or obligation.

Weisberg & Zaleski, P.C.

112 College Place

Norfolk, VA 23510

Toll Free: (800) 690-0235

Phone: (757) 622-7740

Fax: (757) 533-9223

• Home
• Practice Areas
• Our Office
• Library
• FAQs
• Case Results
• Testimonials
• Resources
• Contact Info