While policy regarding nursing home care is improving and progressing to create safer living spaces, we are still fighting for the best possible care. We are always grateful for the hard work of individuals across the country, including our amazing Gharibian Law team, who dedicate their lives to improving nursing homes. However, there are still many areas to improve, and we would like to highlight some of the more pressing current issues. That is why we are talking about common nursing home injuries. Not only will this information help you spot (and hopefully prevent) abuse, but it can help you form care plans and create safe aging environments.
Nursing Home Injury Statistics
To understand the frequency of nursing home injuries, we think it’s important to familiarize yourself with some statistics. We do not want to instill fear, but knowing that these things are likely to happen—on purpose or by accident—is key to preventing them in the first place.
Some of the key nursing home injury statistics are:
- Roughly 16%-27% of nursing home falls are due to environmental hazards. It is important to carefully examine and arrange your, or your loved one’s, living space to minimize the likelihood of falls. (Nursing Home Abuse Center)
- 600,000 older adults were treated for nonfatal assaults between 2002 and 2016 (Nursing Home Abuse Center)
- The CDC has found that 2% to 28% of nursing home residents suffer from bedsores.
5 Common Nursing Home Injuries
It is not easy to acknowledge the likelihood of injury in a nursing home. But whether it’s due to neglect, poor environment, or abuse, it is vital to know what types of injuries commonly occur, and how to prevent them.
1) Bedrail Injuries. Bedrails, used as a form of restraint in nursing homes, have proven dangerous. It is better not to use them in most cases. Residents can get stuck between the mattress and the rails, leading to suffocation or broken bones. Or a resident might attempt to still climb over to around the rails to get out of bed resulting in a severe fall.
2) Bed Sores. As mentioned above, quite a few bedsores are reported every year. These are painful infections that often go deep, even down to bone. Residents may not be able to voice their discomfort, making the problem worse. All residents who cannot easily move around on their own should be moved regularly to prevent bed sores.
3) Concussions. While broken bones may be the most common result of a fall, concussions can also occur. If a resident is prone to falling, they are at risk of suffering a concussion. It is important to have them evaluated by a doctor after they fall and checked for concussion symptoms.
4) Fractures and Broken Bones. Typically caused by falls, but also a result of physical abuse, fractures and broken bones can range from minor to major injuries. More severe falls can sometimes become fatal. It is important to notice extra sensitivity, bruising, or a hesitancy to use a limb. These can all be signs of a fracture or break.
5) Dehydration and Malnutrition. Often the result of neglect, or a sign of depression, a resident’s eating habits/access to food and drink can cause severe dehydration and malnutrition. These conditions can lead to worsening health and increase the likelihood of developing other health issues. It is important to note your loved one’s eating habits. Are they regularly taken to dining areas? Are they given food they are able to/want to eat, and do they have constant access to drinks and snacks? If you notice a change in their eating habits, explore the possibility of depression, other illnesses, or even abuse.
Gharibian Law and Nursing Home Injuries
As always, Gharibian Law can help! We are passionate about bringing abusers to justice. If your loved one has suffered abuse or neglect in any of its forms, our team is prepared to investigate, gather evidence, and fight for you!
Call Gharibian Law (866-583-1965) today for a FREE consultation and the best legal representation.
