As of 2018 more than 1.4 million adults older than 65 years are living in nursing homes. This number is expected to increase to about 3 million in 2030. With many Americans seeking care in nursing homes, nursing home injuries are becoming more common. These common nursing home injuries can lead to serious problems for you and your loved ones.
As so many Americans rely on long-term care and nursing homes for their healthcare, it’s important to remember that nursing homes that are understaffed, or that lack high-quality care, can cause significant injuries to residents. Injuries to nursing home residents are becoming a common, and tragic, problem facing seniors. Many injuries are the result of neglect, abuse, or dangerous conditions in the nursing homes.
Nursing home residents and their loved ones should be vigilant to guard against three of the most common injuries residents of nursing homes experience. At least 5,000 nursing home residents die each year as a result of abuse or neglect. Common nursing home injuries to watch for include:
1. Falls
The CDC reports that every year, nearly 75% of nursing home residents fall. Often patients fall more than once per year. These falls have serious consequences as falls cause about 1,800 deaths among nursing home residents annually.
Nursing home residents, in general, are prone to falls due to muscle weakness or gait problems. Often, nursing home residents are only at the home for a short rehabilitation stay and are known fall risks. Despite this, falls are common. Aside from health concerns that cause resident falls, environmental causes such as wet floors, poor lighting, incorrect bed height or failure to use bed rails, and improperly fitted wheelchairs can also increase risks of falls.
2. Bedsores and Pressure Ulcers
Bedsores, more formally known as pressure ulcers, develop when a patient remains in one position for too long, putting prolonged pressure on their skin. These sores occur most often on resident’s heels, ankles, hips, and tailbones.
Elderly patients who are unable to move on their own often require frequent help turning over or shifting positions to ease pressure. Proper nursing home care requires that residents be moved, adjusted and their bed sheets are changed regularly to avoid bed sores. If your loved one is developing bed sores, it is likely a sign that the nursing staff is neglecting their duties or not providing the proper level of care for your loved one.
3. Overdose or Improper Medication
Many elderly nursing home residents require multiple medications. These medications can come with specific instructions on how to properly take or use the medication. While nursing homes are filled with residents, they are often understaffed. This can lead to busy caregivers, who could improperly administer medications. Improper administering of medications can cause an overdose. Under-staffing or failure to read and appreciate medication directions or warnings can result in nursing home staff giving the wrong medication to the wrong patient.
If you noticed signs of neglect or if your family member has suffered an injury at a nursing home, you may have a claim. If you suspect abuse and neglect, the nursing home may be violating the 1987 Nursing Home Reform Act or the Illinois Nursing Home Care Act An experienced nursing home injury lawyer can help you and your loved one and make sure their rights are protected. Contact John Risvold today to learn how you can protect your loved one.