Slip and fall accidents are unfortunately all too common among the elderly but surprisingly residents of nursing homes fall at twice the rate of other older adults.

Why are there more falls in nursing homes than in the community at large?

There are many reasons that elderly residents of nursing homes fall more frequently, some as a result of their own fragility and some as a result of insufficient and improper nursing care.

Nursing home residents are more likely to fall because they:

• Tend to be older and frailer, which is why they are in nursing homes.
• Tend to have more chronic conditions and more difficulty walking.
• Tend to have cognitive (thought or memory) problems.
• Are less able to manage simple tasks like dressing or toileting on their own.
• Have poorer balance and general muscle weakness.
• Take more medications that increase the risk of falls.
• May suffer from weakness due to being improperly nourished or hydrated.
• May have vision issues.

Some reasons for nursing home falls may be the result of the environmental hazards, negligence or even abuse. The nursing home may be held responsible for the patient's fall if the accident is attributable to:

• Unsafe conditions, such as wet floors, inadequate lighting, or incorrect bed height.
• Improper sanitation.
• Lack of proper railings in halls or showers.
• Lack of maintenance of wheelchairs or other equipment.
• Negligence or inattention of a staff member.
• Abusive behavior on the part of a staff member.

Contributing to falls is the fact that, unfortunately, most nursing homes are short-staffed, and the staff that they do have is often not being adequately trained and supervised.

Nursing homes must do a fall risk assessment on each patient to determine what care, assistance and supervision they require while in the care of the nursing home. Can they get in or out of bed on their own, can they use the toilet without assistance, can they dress on their own, can they shower or bathe without assistance and so forth.

If your loved one has suffered an injury in a nursing home, and you know or suspect that negligence or abuse was a factor, contact a competent personal injury attorney as quickly as possible.