Older adults in Riverside County and throughout Southern California are not only at greater risk of falling than younger adults, but they are also more likely to sustain serious injuries when they do fall. According to a recent report in The New York Times, falls are nearly always preventable, yet they continue to harm seniors in assisted-living facilities and nursing homes. Sometimes falls occur because a facility has an inadequate number of staff, such that residents do not receive the help and assistance they need with mobility tasks. In other circumstances, a facility might have certain hazards on the premises that result in a fall. At the same time, nursing homes and assisted-living facilities may not prioritize fall prevention, and thus they may not be employing many of the “small changes and good habits” that the report suggests can make a significant difference in reducing falls among the elderly.
What should you know about falls and fall risks in Southern California nursing homes? Our Riverside County nursing home neglect attorneys can tell you more.
Why is Falling So Common Among Older Adults?
According to The New York Times, “more than 14 million adults aged 65 and over report falling every year in the United States, and the risk increases with age.” Why are older adults so much more prone to falling?
Physical changes related to aging are to blame, and those changes generally begin around the age of 50. In addition, medications that are frequently prescribed for older adults can cause dizziness and issues with balance, which further increase the risk of falling.
Evidence-Based Fall Prevention Strategies
Falls are actually the leading cause of injury-related deaths among older adults, often as a result of hip fractures, spine fractures, and traumatic brain injuries. Yet, as that article emphasizes, there are certain evidence-based strategies that can significantly prevent falls among seniors. Indeed, the American Public Health Association suggests that these strategies may reduce falls by up to 36%.
What are those evidence-based prevention strategies? The report in The New York Times lists the following, which nursing homes should consider and adopt:
- Ensuring that older adults wear proper footwear;
- Making certain that living areas have been “fall-proofed,” which means removing tripping hazards, adding railings, and increasing lighting;
- When possible, helping older adults to build their strength and balance through specific exercises and fall-prevention programs, including sit-to-stand exercises and programs such as SAIL and Stepping On that are designed specifically for fall prevention in older adults;
- Providing assistance with psychological fears of falling, including cognitive behavioral therapy; and
- Providing walking poles for seniors who want and are able to remain physically active.
Contact Our Riverside County Nursing Home Negligence Lawyers for Assistance
Falls should never happen in nursing homes. When they do, and a resident suffers an injury, the facility may be liable. Whether your elderly loved one’s fall resulted from a lack of proper assistance or from a hazard on the property, you may be able to move forward with a claim against the nursing home to seek compensation and to hold the facility accountable. An experienced Riverside County nursing home negligence and neglect attorney at our firm can discuss the details with you. Contact the Walton Law Firm today to find out more about how we can help you and your family.
See Related Blog Posts:
Understanding Abuse and Neglect at San Bernardino County Memory Care Facilities
Staffing Instability Increases Risk of Harm in Orange County Nursing Homes