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What can be done to reduce falls in nursing homes?

On Behalf of | May 26, 2023 | Nursing Home Neglect |

Falls are a common cause of injuries among older people. While most falls are not serious, others can lead to severe injuries.

Injuries from falls can lead to permanent disability and reduced quality of life. Luckily, falls in nursing homes can be prevented. Below are some things that can be done to reduce falls in nursing homes.

Provide enough lighting

Some older adults have poor vision, and these, combined with poor lighting, can result in falls. So, it is imperative to have adequate lighting in a nursing home. For example, lamps should be placed around the room so the resident can see obstacles in case they need to get up at night.

Encourage balance exercise

Most nursing home residents are usually assigned wheelchairs, besides not needing them. Unfortunately, this can impact their lifestyle as the over-reliance on wheelchairs slowly erodes their strength and balance. Therefore, exercises are essential and can enhance overall balance, strength, gait and stability and help prevent falls. In addition, activities like walking and Tai Chi can help enhance balance and coordination among residents. 

Install safety devices

Most residents usually have a hard time moving around on their own. Therefore, it will be best to have safety measures to prevent falls. For example, safety rails can be installed in their rooms, and anywhere they go to offer support and stability. However, the safety rails must be strong enough to grab onto.

Have enough staff on premise

Lack of enough supervision from nursing home staff can lead to falls. This mostly happens when residents need to walk, go to the bathroom or eat a meal, and no one is there to help. Therefore, nursing homes should have enough staff to care for residents. 

Falls are common in nursing homes. However, while some falls are caused by medical conditions, others can result from negligence. If your loved one fell and got injured in a nursing home, don’t hesitate to seek legal guidance to determine your legal options.