Falls In Bathroom Are Preventable
There are several types of ways falls occur in the bathroom. One of the most common is usually a woman patient left on the toilet as the caregiver is attending to something or someone else and does not come back and a fall occurs when the vulnerable person loses balance or who’s strength cannot support their weight. Another common way people fall in the bathroom is getting undressed or dressed and getting into or out of the shower. The common ways anyone falls are also frequently present in the bathroom, water, liquid or soap on the slippery tile floor. Another way injuries occur is during toileting or bathing with a patient lift injuries this is not used correctly or improperly set up.
Injuries From Falls In Bathroom
Many times the injuries suffered in a bathroom fall are serious due to the hard surfaces and include fractured hips, broken femur, fractured pelvis, head injuries, subdural hematoma, lacerations and other injuries.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the following can occur in nursing home falls
- Many falls do not cause injuries. But one out of five falls does cause a serious injury such as a broken bone or a head injury. These injuries can make it hard for a person to get around, do everyday activities, or live on their own.
- Falls can cause broken bones, like wrist, arm, ankle, and hip fractures.
- Falls can cause head injuries. These can be very serious, especially if the person is taking certain medicines (like blood thinners). An older person who falls and hits their head should see their doctor right away to make sure they don’t have a brain injury.
- Many people who fall, even if they’re not injured, become afraid of falling. This fear may cause a person to cut down on their everyday activities. When a person is less active, they become weaker and this increases their chances of falling.
Information About Falls In Bathroom
Falls can happen anytime and anywhere to people of any age. However, as people get older, the number of falls and the severity of injury resulting from falls increases.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries in people age 65 and older. Common injuries due to falls are head injuries, shoulder and forearm fractures, spine fractures, pelvic fractures, and hip fractures.
- In 2003, 1.5 million people 65 and older lived in nursing homes. If current rates continue, by 2030 this number will rise to about 3 million.
- About 5% of adults 65 and older live in nursing homes, but nursing home residents account for about 20% of deaths from falls in this age group.
- Each year, a typical nursing home with 100 beds reports 100 to 200 falls. Many falls go unreported.
- Between half and three-quarters of nursing home residents fall each year. That’s twice the rate of falls for older adults living in the community.
- Patients often fall more than once. The average is 2.6 falls per person per year.6• About 35% of fall injuries occur among residents who cannot walk.
According to the CDC, the following issues can increase the risk of falling in seniors:
- Lower body weakness.
- Vitamin D deficiency (that is, not enough vitamin D in your system).
- Difficulties with walking and balance.
- Use of medicines, such as tranquilizers, sedatives, or antidepressants. Even some over-the-counter medicines can affect balance and how steady you are on your feet.
- Vision problems.
- Foot pain or poor footwear.
- Home hazards or dangers such as broken or uneven steps, throw rugs or clutter that can be tripped over, and
no handrails along stairs or in the bathroom.
Minnesota Falls in Bathroom Nursing Home Attorney
Federal regulations mandate that nursing home resident should receive quality care and services and that reasonable measures and supervision be taken to prevent accidents.
If you have questions about nursing home abuse and neglect and fractures or other fall related injuries contact Kenneth LaBore for a free consultation. There is no fee unless there is a verdict or settlement offer from the wrongdoer. Mr. LaBore can be reached directly at 612-743-9048 or toll free at 1-888-452-6589 or by email at KLaBore@MNnursinghomeneglect.com.
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