Updated: December 16th, 2024
Entrusting a loved one’s care to a nursing home comes with the expectation of safety and compassion. However, injuries due to abuse, neglect, or facility mismanagement occur far too often. Research shows nearly 10% of seniors face mistreatment in care settings, with 95% experiencing or witnessing neglect.
If your family member has shown signs of injury or distress, you may wonder how to recognize when harm occurs and what steps to take to address it. Learn about the most common injuries in nursing homes to better identify concerns and take action to protect your loved one’s well-being.
Falls and Related Injuries
Falls are a leading cause of serious injuries among nursing home residents, often impacting their mobility and independence. These incidents frequently result in:
- Fractures. Elderly residents are highly susceptible to broken hips, wrists, and spinal injuries due to the fragility of aging bones. Recovery can be prolonged and challenging.
- Head trauma. Falls can lead to concussions or traumatic brain injuries, potentially causing long-term cognitive and physical impairments.
- Cuts, bruises, and lacerations. Even minor injuries can pose serious risks, such as infections, if not treated promptly and properly.
- Sprains or strains. Resulting from falls or improper mobility assistance, these injuries can limit residents’ independence.
Bedsores (Pressure Ulcers)
Bedsores, or pressure ulcers, develop when residents are immobile for extended periods without proper care. These wounds have four stages that progress from minor to severe:
- Stage 1. Initial signs include red, unbroken skin that may feel warm.
- Stage 2. Open sores or blisters form as the condition worsens.
- Stage 3. Wounds deepen, exposing tissue beneath the skin.
- Stage 4. Severe cases involve wounds that expose muscle or bone, often leading to life-threatening infections.
Injuries Due to Restraints
While restraints may sometimes be used for safety, their misuse can result in harm. Not only do they violate residents’ rights under California law, they can also cause injuries like:
- Bruises or abrasions. Tight or improperly applied restraints can cause skin damage like cuts and pressure sores.
- Nerve damage. Prolonged use of restraints may lead to permanent nerve injury due to sustained pressure or improper positioning.
- Restricted circulation. Improper restraint use can impede blood flow, potentially causing swelling, tissue death, or amputation in severe cases.
Burns
Burn injuries in nursing homes can occur when staff fails to adequately monitor patients or expose them to dangerous chemicals or equipment. Burns are often caused by:
- Hot water or food spills. Scalding liquids, such as overly hot beverages or improperly regulated bathwater, can cause severe skin damage if not monitored closely.
- Electrical burns. Faulty medical devices or mobility equipment, such as wheelchairs with damaged wiring, can expose residents to electrical injuries.
- Chemical burns. When improperly stored or left within residents’ reach, cleaning agents like bleach and ammonia can cause serious burns through direct contact or accidental ingestion.
Cuts, Abrasions, and Lacerations
Many residents suffer cuts, lacerations, and abrasions when caregivers fail to handle equipment carefully or neglect to maintain a safe environment. Common causes include:
- Sharp edges. Furniture or equipment with exposed sharp edges, like bed frames or wheelchairs, can cause harm during routine activities.
- Bed rail injuries. Poorly installed or designed bed rails and improper repositioning or movement by staff can lead to cuts, bruises, or entrapment injuries.
- Medical devices. Misuse or mishandling of medical equipment, such as improperly inserting syringes or catheters, may cause skin injuries or punctures.
Broken Bones
Fractures are common in nursing homes, especially among residents with pre-existing conditions. Elderly individuals with brittle bones due to osteoporosis face a higher risk of fractures, often requiring extensive recovery time.
The number of individuals at high risk of fractures is expected to double to nearly 300 million by 2040. This highlights a growing concern for vulnerable nursing home residents who may suffer broken bones from falls or rough handling by staff.
Choking or Aspiration
Choking often occurs in nursing homes due to inadequate supervision during meals or improper feeding techniques. It can lead to:
- Difficulty swallowing. Residents with conditions like dysphagia face a higher risk of choking, especially when not provided with appropriate dietary modifications.
- Aspiration. When food or liquids enter the lungs instead of the stomach, it can cause aspiration pneumonia, a serious condition that may lead to severe health complications or wrongful death.
Other Physical Injuries
Nearly 29% of residents have reported being physically mistreated in nursing homes. This type of abuse can lead to injuries like:
- Bruises. Often caused by rough handling, physical abuse, or accidental impacts during transfers or mobility assistance.
- Head and neck injuries. Falls can result in whiplash, neck strain, concussions, or cranial fractures, leading to serious health complications and cognitive impairment.
- Joint dislocations. Improper transfer techniques or failure to provide adequate mobility support may result in dislocated shoulders, hips, or other joints.
Infections
Infections are common in nursing homes, with around two million per year. These illnesses often result from poor hygiene or untreated wounds and include the following:
- Urinary tract infections from improper catheter use or unsanitary conditions.
- Pneumonia due to aspiration or poor ventilation.
- Skin infections like cellulitis from untreated wounds.
- Gastrointestinal infections such as norovirus or foodborne illnesses in communal settings.
- Influenza is a respiratory condition that can lead to severe complications like pneumonia or organ failure.
Medication Errors
Errors in medication administration can have severe consequences for residents, including:
- Overdose or underdose. Incorrect dosages can lead to organ damage, severe side effects, or treatment failure.
- Incorrect medication. Administering the wrong drug may worsen existing conditions or cause contraindications. For example, giving a resident a blood thinner instead of a pain reliever could increase the risk of internal bleeding.
- Allergic reactions. Failure to account for known allergies, such as to penicillin or latex, can result in anaphylaxis or other life-threatening emergencies.
Malnutrition and Dehydration
Nursing homes are responsible for supporting residents’ nutritional needs to maintain their health. Unfortunately, malnutrition and dehydration are common in care facilities, with up to 20% of residents suffering from inadequate nutrition. This form of negligence can lead to:
- Muscle wasting, which can cause weakness and reduced mobility.
- Cognitive decline from nutritional deficiencies.
- Severe weight loss, leading to frailty and infections.
- Kidney damage due to prolonged dehydration.
- Confusion and dizziness increase the risk of falls.
Additional Health-Related Injuries
Elderly residents in nursing homes may face other health-related injuries that affect their well-being, including:
- Sepsis. A life-threatening condition caused by untreated infections, often from UTIs, bedsores, or neglected wounds.
- Respiratory issues. Aspiration pneumonia or poor air quality can lead to chronic breathing difficulties.
- Cardiac events. Stress or neglect can trigger heart attacks or cardiac arrest without timely care.
- Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis). Prolonged immobility can cause clots that may lead to fatal pulmonary embolisms.
- Heatstroke or hypothermia. Poor temperature control in facilities can expose residents to extreme and dangerous conditions.
Physiological and Emotional Injuries
In addition to physical harm, nursing home residents can suffer from psychological abuse by caregivers. Up to 40% of nursing home staff admit to psychological abuse, such as cursing or yelling. These actions can affect residents in several ways, including:
- Emotional trauma. Verbal insults, intimidation, or being ignored can create deep feelings of fear, shame, and worthlessness.
- Depression or anxiety. Persistent neglect or emotional mistreatment often results in withdrawal, hopelessness, or constant unease.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Repeated exposure to emotional or physical abuse can leave residents with long-term distress and recurring memories of the trauma.
- Cognitive decline. Stress caused by ongoing abuse, lack of mental stimulation, or neglect can worsen confusion, memory issues, or other cognitive impairments.
Abuse-Related Injuries
Residents at care facilities often experience various types of abuse, including physical, sexual, and financial mistreatment. This staff or resident-on-resident abuse can lead to damages like:
- Internal injuries. While physical abuse frequently causes visible harm like bruises or broken bones, actions like punching or kicking may cause internal damage. Alarmingly, about 17% of CNAs have admitted to shoving, pushing, or grabbing a resident.
- Trauma to the genital area. Sexual abuse often results in bruising, pain, or other injuries to the resident’s genitals that may go unnoticed or unreported.
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Forced sexual contact can expose residents to STIs like chlamydia or gonorrhea, leading to further medical complications.
- Psychological stress. Financial theft or manipulation can leave residents feeling powerless, anxious, or mistrusting others.
- Worsening of chronic conditions. When basic care is neglected, existing health problems such as diabetes or hypertension can escalate and harm patients.
Facility-Related Injuries
Residents in nursing homes may face injuries caused by unsafe facility conditions or poorly managed emergencies, including:
- Environmental hazards. Slippery floors, malfunctioning equipment, or broken infrastructure can lead to falls, cuts, or other serious injuries.
- Allergic reactions. Exposure to allergens or improperly managed food allergies can result in severe respiratory or physical symptoms.
- Injuries during emergencies. Fires or natural disasters may cause burns or other harm during rushed evacuations, especially when staff are unprepared.
Advocating for Safer Nursing Home Environments
Understanding the common injuries that occur in nursing homes is the first step toward ensuring the safety and dignity of residents. If you suspect your loved one is suffering from any type of abuse or neglect, you can take action to protect their rights and pursue compensation on their behalf.
Consider filing a complaint with the California Department of Public Health, contacting your local Long-Term Care Ombudsman, or contacting an experienced nursing home abuse attorney.
These resources can help you hold the nursing home accountable and get your loved one the care and respect they deserve.
