INTRODUCTION

Assisted living is a type of housing for senior citizens or persons with disabilities who require assistance with some daily tasks along with access to healthcare when required. Such persons, or their families, may choose for assisted living facilities in order to receive expert assistance. At such a facility, there is a risk of falls to elders. Many injuries in such facilities are attributed to the dearth of care, which is frequently related to insufficient staff.

FALLS

Since falls are a major source of injury in the elderly, it is especially troubling when these accidents occur in nursing home patients who are meant to be closely monitored. In fact, as compared to senior people living in other places, nursing home patients are more prone to fall. Broken or sprained bones, as well as lacerations, are common injuries that may need surgery or extensive medical treatment to allow the wounded resident to recover to their previous level of health.

FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH FALLS

• Prescribed drugs, such as sedatives and pain relievers
• Vision difficulties
• Poor physical health & mental state.
• Wet flooring
• Room setup, including difficulties getting from one location to another
• Toilet handrails and grab bars
• Poor lighting
• Improper bed height

CONSEQUENCE OF FALL

Though falls aren't necessarily fatal for young folks, they are a significant cause of mortality among the elderly, according to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

NEGLIGENCE

When a nursing home patient is injured as a consequence of a fall caused by the facility's carelessness, the facility may well be responsible for not just the medical expenditures but also the misery and suffering the elderly person had as a consequence of their wounds. Falls can lead to fatal injuries, particularly for the elderly.

PREVENTION OF FALL 

Falls can be prevented in nursing homes. A fall should not result in a major or fatal harm to a senior in a long-term care institution. In addition to maintaining individuals who require help, facilities can implement fall-prevention measures (such as shower rails and non-slip flooring) and ensure that patients are visited by doctors on a regular basis so that medical conditions that may cause a fall can be assessed.

CONCLUSION

As we discussed the legal implications of falls at assisted care facility, if you or your loved one (s) have suffered a fall at Assisted Care Facility, reach out to me for free case evaluation or to answer any questions you may have.