Archive for the ‘Hoyer Lift’ Category

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Accurate Home Care Ostego Neglect Leads to Fall With Injuries

Written By: Kenneth LaBore | Published On: 28th February 2017 | Category: Fall Injuries, Hoyer Lift, Inadequate Staffing/Training, Patient Lift | RSS Feed

Accurate Home Care Ostego – Resident Suffers Serious Injuries Fall From Improper Transfer From Mechanical Lift

Accurate Home Care Ostego Neglect After Resident Suffers Injuries From Fall

In a report dated February 2, 2017, the Minnesota Department of Health alleged that a patient at Accurate Home Care Ostego when a staff, alleged perpetrator unsafely transferred a patient, dumping water on his/her face. Emergency response was called, CPR was initiated and the patient was admitted to hospital pneumonia.

Accurate Home Care Ostego Fall Leads to Series of Events Ending With Pneumonia

Based on a preponderance of the evidence, neglect occurred when the alleged perpetrator (AP) did not follow the patient’s care plan and did not initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) when the client experienced respiratory distress.

The patient had quadriplegia and was ventilator dependent. The patient’s plan of care indicated the patient was a full code and had an emergency protocol in place. The care plan had an emergency airway clearance protocol including using a manual resuscitation bag (a pump device to assist ventilation) with 100% oxygen, irrigating with saline, and suctioning. If there was no result with those actions, staff were to call 911. Staff were to continue to use the bag until help arrived or the situation resolved.

On the evening of the incident, the AP transferred the patient to bed with a mechanical lift. The patient requested the AP hook-up the humidification to the tracheostomy prior to removing the lift sling. Because the sling was still under the patient, the AP turned the patient from side to side. The humidifier on the bedside table tipped over causing water to back up into the humidifier tubing. The AP attempted to shake the water out of the tubing and elevated the head of the bed, but the patient was not getting enough air. The patient requested with AP ventilate with the bag. The AP did not comply, but instead went upstairs to get the family member. When the AP and the family member returned to downstairs, the patient was unresponsive and did not have a pulse. The family member suctioned the patient, used the bag, and did chest compressions. The AP did not assist with CPR. A second family member came to assist. The second family member provided the backup ventilator and suctioned the patient. The first family member called 911, and then the AP took over CPR. During this time, the AP unable to find a pulse. The patient went to the hospital and was admitted for one day with a diagnosis of aspiration pneumonia.

The family member interview indicated the patient was not to have the humidification tubing hooked up until the sling was out from underneath him/her. The family member stated when they came downstairs the ventilator was off.

The alleged perpetrator (AP) participated in an interview. The AP state s/he had received training specific to this patient’s care plan. The AP indicated s/he did not start providing ventilation with the manual resuscitation bag, because the patient had a pulse. However, resuscitation can be provided regardless of the status of the patient’s pulse.

Accurate Home Care Ostego – Report Abuse and Neglect

Click Here For Link To Report Abuse To Adult Protection

For more information from the Minnesota Department of Health, Office of Health Facility Complaints concerning nursing homes, assisted living and other elder care providers view resolved complaints at the MDH website.

If you have concerns about financial exploitation or any other form of elder abuse or neglect contact Minnesota Elder Abuse Attorney Kenneth LaBore toll free at 612-743-9048 or toll free at 1-888-452-6589 or by email at KLaBore@MNnursinghomeneglect.com.

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Free Consultation on Issues of Elder Abuse and Neglect Serving all of Minnesota Toll Free 1-888-452-6589

Augustana HCC of Apple Valley Allegations of Neglect After Resident Fall From Lift

Written By: Kenneth LaBore | Published On: 7th February 2017 | Category: Fall Injuries, Financial Exploitation, Hoyer Lift, Patient Lift | RSS Feed

Fall from Patient Lift Leads to Femur Fracture at Augustana Healthcare Center of Apple Valley

Resident at Augustana HCC Apple Valley Suffers Fractured Femur After Fall From Lift

According to a report from the Minnesota Department of Health, dated January 17, 2017, it is alleged that a client at Augustana HCC of Apple Valley was neglected when the facility staff failed to safely transfer a resident using a lift. The resident had a fall and was hospitalized with a right femur fracture.

Substantiated Neglect Against Augustana HCC Apple Valley After Fall

Based on the preponderance of evidence, neglect occurred when the alleged perpetrator (AP) incorrectly transferred the resident using a standing lift. The resident fell, sustained a right femur fracture and required surgery.

The resident was cognitively intact and able to direct his/her own cares. The resident’s care plan directed staff to transfer the resident with a standing lift and the assistance of one staff. Manufacturer’s instruction for the standing lift indicated leg straps were to be used for resident safety with the standing lift.

Approximately two months prior to the fall, a physical therapist evaluated the resident, because the resident was refusing the use the abdominal harness of the standing lift due to difficulty breathing. The physical therapist educated the resident that all the buckles, abdominal and leg, were to be strapped when using the standing lift and the resident agreed. During the interviews, three staff members indicated the resident refused the leg straps and told staff s/he could stand better without using the leg straps. However, if staff members were firm and told the resident leg straps were required during the transfer, the resident would comply. The facility policy on the standing lift equipment indicated to keep the residents feet on the footplate and secure the shin straps around the resident’s leg and calf area.

The AP was interviewed. On the morning of the fall, the resident put on the call light to use the toilet. The AP entered the resident’s room and placed the resident on the standing lift. The resident refused the leg straps. The AP told the resident the leg straps needed to be applied for safety, but the resident still refused the leg straps. The AP requested assistance from a nurse.

After five minutes, the resident’s need to use the toilet was urgent and there was no response to the call for assistance. The AP transferred the resident to the toilet. After toileting, during the transfer from the standing lift to the wheelchair, the resident’s foot slipped off the platform. The resident slipped down in the lift approximately one foot off the floor and was lowered to the floor.

The resident had pain in his/her right hip and requested an X-ray revealed an incomplete fracture of the mid-right femur. The resident has hospitalized and had hip surgery, which was complicated by acute respiratory failure related to his/her chronic respiratory difficulties. The resident returned to the facility thirteen days later, but was readmitted to the hospital that same day for respiratory distress. The resident returned to the facility four days later on hospice care and died the next day.

The resident’s primary physician was interviewed and explained that the anesthesia from the surgery worsened the resident’s already chronic respiratory conditions.

The death certificate indicated the resident died eighteen days after the fall. The immediate cause of death was listed as complications related to immobility due to the right hip fracture from the fall.

If you have questions about falls from patient lifts or other types of elder abuse call Kenneth LaBore for a free consultation at 612-743-9048 or toll free at 1-888-452-6589 or by email at KLaBore@MNnursinghomeneglect.com.

Augustana HCC of Apple Valley Financial Exploitation By Staff Member

Investigation of Financial Exploitation at Augustana HCC of Apple Valley

According to a report dated November 20, 2015, Augustana HCC of Apple Valley had an allegation that a resident was financially exploited when a staff, alleged perpetrator (AP) made multiple unauthorized charges to resident’s credit card.

Substantiated Exploitation by Staff at Augustana HCC of Apple Valley

Based on a preponderance of evidence financial exploitation occurred, when the alleged perpetrator (AP) took the resident’s credit card, used it to make purchases for his/her own personal use and without the resident’s permission or knowledge.

The resident was admitted to the facility for short term rehabilitation after hospitalization. Review of the resident’s record indicated that the resident was moderately impaired in her/her cognition but was able to make his/her daily decisions and needs known.

Document review and interviews revealed that a police officer reported to the facility staff that the resident had unauthorized charges that were made on her/his credit card while the resident at the facility. Through their investigation the police were able to determine that the unauthorized charges were made over a three day period between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. in Walmart, Cub Foods, and a Shell gas station, all stores located in the Apple Valley area. The video surveillance footage provided by Walmart store showed an individual wearing scrubs using the resident’s credit card to make purchases on one of three different occasions that the resident’s credit card was used in Walmart. The police showed the facility staff the video and facility staff positively identified the individual in the video as AP.

If you have concerns about improper use of medical equipment, falls or any other form of elder abuse or neglect contact Minnesota Elder Abuse Attorney Kenneth LaBore at 612-743-9048 or toll free at 1-888-452-6589 or by email at KLaBore@MNnursinghomeneglect.com.

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Nursing Home Injuries

Written By: Kenneth LaBore | Published On: 5th February 2017 | Category: Bed Sores and Pressure Ulcers, Failure to Resond to Change in Condition, Fall Injuries, Hoyer Lift, Medication Drug Error, Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect, Patient Lift, Sexual Abuse, Wrongful Death | RSS Feed

Minnesota Abuse and Neglect Nursing Home Injuries

Minnesota Nursing Home Injuries

There are many ways that residents suffer nursing home injuries, many are falls, being dropped from lifts or injured in transfer, falls from the toilet or in the shower, fall from bed or out of a wheelchair. Since the way that many injuries happen is foreseeable the facility has an obligation to analysis and assess the risks to each resident and take reasonable measures and interventions to protect them from preventable accident situations.

Pursuant to federal and state regulations nursing homes have an obligation to keep their residents safe. They are considered vulnerable adults by legal definition since they are staying in a nursing home facility.

According to 42 CFR 483.25, nursing homes must take efforts to prevent accidents which would include falls, medication errors, or any other way you could be injured such as through the use of oxygen, smoking, scalding burns, urinary tract infections, pressure wounds and others set out in the statute.

Common Types of Nursing Home Injuries

Here are some summaries on various topics related to nursing home falls and fractures, pressure sores and other nursing home injuries:

Patient Lift Injuries

Wrongful Death from Falls

Fractures from Falls

Falls from Wheelchairs

Falls in Bathroom

Falls in Shower

Falls from Bed

Nursing Home Neglect Fractures

Bedsore Stages

Pressure Injury Stages

Pressure Sore Injury

Pressure Injuries

Nursing Home Fall Injuries Lawyer

If you or someone you love is in a skilled nursing facility or nursing home and the victim of abuse or neglect injuries contact Attorney Kenneth LaBore for a free consultation to discuss the fall or injuries and he does not charge a fee unless there is a verdict or settlement offer with the wrongdoer. Call Kenneth LaBore at 612-743-9048 or toll free at 1-888-452-6589 or send an email to KLaBore@MNnursinghomeneglect.com.

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Assisted Living Falls

Written By: Kenneth LaBore | Published On: 5th February 2017 | Category: Assisted Living Care Issues, Fall Injuries, Hoyer Lift, Patient Lift, Wrongful Death | RSS Feed

Residents Need Proper Assistance and Supervision to Avoid Assisted Living FallsAssisted Living Falls

Minnesota Assisted Living Falls

Injuries due to falls in nursing home and assisted living falls are common some due to obvious neglect other the cause is not as clear. The underlying cause of many accidents is a delay in response from the time the resident needed some assistance and a response. Or a failure to do toileting or wellness checks or some other necessary service as providing medications.

Information on Assisted Living Falls

Assisted living facilities are defined by statute and are in summary apartments for seniors where additional minimum services are available for purchase by contract. Each resident has a different contract based on their individual needs.

According to Minnesota Statute 144G.03, Subd. 2, assisted living shall be provided or made available only to individuals residing in a registered housing with services establishment. Except as expressly stated in this chapter, a person or entity offering assisted living may define the available services and may offer assisted living to all or some of the residents of a housing with services establishment. The services that comprise assisted living may be provided or made available directly by a housing with services establishment or by persons or entities with which the housing with services establishment has made arrangements.

(b) A person or entity entitled to use the phrase “assisted living,” according to section 144G.02, subdivision 1, shall do so only with respect to a housing with services establishment, or a service, service package, or program available within a housing with services establishment that, at a minimum:

(1) provides or makes available health-related services under a home care license. At a minimum, health-related services must include:

(i) assistance with self-administration of medication, medication management, or medication administration as defined in section 144A.43; and

(ii) assistance with at least three of the following seven activities of daily living: bathing, dressing, grooming, eating, transferring, continence care, and toileting.

All health-related services shall be provided in a manner that complies with applicable home care licensure requirements in chapter 144A and sections 148.171 to 148.285;

(2) provides necessary assessments of the physical and cognitive needs of assisted living clients by a registered nurse, as required by applicable home care licensure requirements in chapter 144A and sections 148.171 to 148.285;

(3) has and maintains a system for delegation of health care activities to unlicensed personnel by a registered nurse, including supervision and evaluation of the delegated activities as required by applicable home care licensure requirements in chapter 144A and sections 148.171 to 148.285;

(4) provides staff access to an on-call registered nurse 24 hours per day, seven days per week;

(5) has and maintains a system to check on each assisted living client at least daily;

(6) provides a means for assisted living clients to request assistance for health and safety needs 24 hours per day, seven days per week, from the establishment or a person or entity with which the establishment has made arrangements;

(7) has a person or persons available 24 hours per day, seven days per week, who is responsible for responding to the requests of assisted living clients for assistance with health or safety needs, who shall be:

(i) awake;

(ii) located in the same building, in an attached building, or on a contiguous campus with the housing with services establishment in order to respond within a reasonable amount of time;

(iii) capable of communicating with assisted living clients;

(iv) capable of recognizing the need for assistance;

(v) capable of providing either the assistance required or summoning the appropriate assistance; and

(vi) capable of following directions;

(8) offers to provide or make available at least the following supportive services to assisted living clients:

(i) two meals per day;

(ii) weekly housekeeping;

(iii) weekly laundry service;

(iv) upon the request of the client, reasonable assistance with arranging for transportation to medical and social services appointments, and the name of or other identifying information about the person or persons responsible for providing this assistance;

(v) upon the request of the client, reasonable assistance with accessing community resources and social services available in the community, and the name of or other identifying information about the person or persons responsible for providing this assistance; and

(vi) periodic opportunities for socialization; and

(9) makes available to all prospective and current assisted living clients information consistent with the uniform format and the required components adopted by the commissioner under section 144G.06. This information must be made available beginning no later than six months after the commissioner makes the uniform format and required components available to providers according to section 144G.06.

See the State of Minnesota Assisted Living Guide

Types of Assisted Living Falls

There are many types of falls which occur in assisted living facilities including, falls in the bathroom due to loss of balance or slipping on wet surfaces such as in the shower, falls during transfers from wheelchairs or from patient lifts, falls from bed, when using a walker or cane and others. The injuries related to these often preventable falls include head injuries, subdural hematomas, fractured hips, pelvis, and femurs to name of few. The injuries can be very serious and the combination of the injuries and the disabilities which result can lead to untimely death.

Assisted Living Falls Reporting

The facility is mandated to report serious falls to the Minnesota Commissioner of Health under Minnesota Statute 144.7065, Subd 5.(7) patient death or serious injury associated with a fall while being cared for in a facility.

In addition to the reporting requirements for the facility you should also report any falls with injury to the Minnesota Department of Health Office of Health Facility Complaint, OHFC. See the attached for more information about reporting elder abuse and neglect.

Assisted Living Falls Neglect Attorney

If you have questions about fall injuries in a assisted living facility or other elder provider or nursing home or other elder abuse and neglect issues 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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Memory Care Falls

Written By: Kenneth LaBore | Published On: 3rd February 2017 | Category: Assisted Living Care Issues, Caregivers Resources, Fall Injuries, Hoyer Lift, Patient Lift, Wrongful Death | RSS Feed

Alzheimer’s Dementia Memory Care Falls

Memory Care Falls Result in Part Due to Lack of Training

Falls in memory care and other elder care facilities are common occurrences. The resident’s usually have Alzheimer’s or dementia and are prone to confusion and many are able to ambulate which leads to a higher risk of falls. Due to osteoporosis and other age related issues falls lead to very serious many leading to death. The irony is that despite the lack of regulation and training many memory care providers charge premium prices and often exceed the expense for rehabilitative care and skilled nursing in a traditional nursing home.

You may think that many memory care providers are providing cares similar to a nursing home. This assumption is reasonable when you seen literature talking about “nursing services in a home like environment”. What this means is that you are renting an apartment or room and that you are subcontracting for home care services to be provided at that location. The staff at the memory care provider needs no special credentials as they are not considered nursing aides. They need only limited training and the limited disclosures to tenant families. According to Minnesota Statute 325F.72. Written disclosure shall include, but is not limited to the following:

(1) a statement of the overall philosophy and how it reflects the special needs of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias;
(2) the criteria for determining who may reside in the special care unit;
(3) the process used for assessment and establishment of the service plan or agreement, including how the plan is responsive to changes in the resident’s condition;
(4) staffing credentials, job descriptions, and staff duties and availability, including any training specific to dementia;
(5) physical environment as well as design and security features that specifically address the needs of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias;
(6) frequency and type of programs and activities for residents of the special care unit;
(7) involvement of families in resident care and availability of family support programs;
(8) fee schedules for additional services to the residents of the special care unit; and
(9) a statement that residents will be given a written notice 30 days prior to changes in the fee schedule.

According to Minnesota Statute 144D.065 (a)(2), direct-care employees must have completed at least eight hours of initial training on topics specified under paragraph (b) within 160 working hours of the employment start date. The specialized training under paragraph (b) includes:

(b) Areas of required training include:

(1) an explanation of Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders;
(2) assistance with activities of daily living;
(3) problem solving with challenging behaviors; and
(4) communication skills.

As you can see the training for specialized memory care staff is very limited and does not include any medical training what-so-ever. The lack of training with many resident which have limited mobility and other medical and physical issues leads to many forms of preventable injuries including falls.

Memory Care Falls

There are many types of falls which occur in memory care facilities. The residents need to be supervised to assure they do not wander or elope from the facility, fall down stairwells, slip out of chairs or wheelchairs, fall from beds or in the bathroom off the toilet or in the shower.

Common injuries from falls in memory care facilities include, head injuries, including subdural hematomas, pelvic and hip fractures, fractured femur and other limbs.

Reporting Memory Care Falls

Pursuant to Minnesota Statute 144.7065, Subd. 1., each facility shall report to the commissioner the occurrence of any of the adverse health care events described in subdivisions 2 to 7 as soon as is reasonably and practically possible, but no later than 15 working days after discovery of the event. The report shall be filed in a format specified by the commissioner and shall identify the facility but shall not include any identifying information for any of the health care professionals, facility employees, or patients involved. The commissioner may consult with experts and organizations familiar with patient safety when developing the format for reporting and in further defining events in order to be consistent with industry standards.

The statute goes on in Subd. 5, to state that it is required for the facility to report patient death or serious injury associated with a fall while being cared for in a facility.

Attorney for Memory Care Falls

If you have questions about fall injuries or other forms nursing home abuse and neglect 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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Minnesota Assisted Living Falls Lawyer

Written By: Kenneth LaBore | Published On: 31st January 2017 | Category: Assisted Living Care Issues, Fall Injuries, Hoyer Lift, Patient Lift, Wrongful Death | RSS Feed

Assisted Living Falls Lawyer and Fracture Injuries

Minnesota Assisted Living Falls Lawyer

There are many types of fall injuries I have seen as a nursing home and assisted living falls lawyer. Falls can happen when the resident is not given care they need with transfer and toileting or when they are dropped or fall from patient lifts, fall in their wheelchairs, or in the bathroom. Many of these falls would be preventable with proper assessment of the resident’s needs and risks and then adequate care and supervision to prevent accidents.

Falls in assisted living and other elder care situations can lead to fractures such as femur, pelvis and hip, head injuries with complications, such as subdural hematomas, and other injuries some leading to death.

Information About Assisted Living Falls

According to Minnesota Statute 144.7065, Subdivision 1., reports of adverse health care events are required. Each facility shall report to the commissioner the occurrence of any of the adverse health care events described in subdivisions 2 to 7 as soon as is reasonably and practically possible, but no later than 15 working days after discovery of the event. The report shall be filed in a format specified by the commissioner and shall identify the facility but shall not include any identifying information for any of the health care professionals, facility employees, or patients involved. The commissioner may consult with experts and organizations familiar with patient safety when developing the format for reporting and in further defining events in order to be consistent with industry standards.

Subd. 5. Care management events. Events reportable under this subdivision are:

(7) patient death or serious injury associated with a fall while being cared for in a facility;

Assisted Living Falls Lawyer

If you need information about assisted living falls or other forms of elder abuse and neglect or other call Kenneth LaBore for a free consultation with no fee unless a verdict or settlement offer by the wrongdoer. Call Mr. LaBore directly at 612-743-9048 or toll free at 1-888-452-6589 or by email at KLaBore@MNnursinghomeneglect.com.

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Falls From Bed in Nursing Homes

Written By: Kenneth LaBore | Published On: 30th January 2017 | Category: Bed Rail Strangulation and Asphyxiation, Fall Injuries, Hoyer Lift, Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect, Patient Lift, Wrongful Death | RSS Feed

Nursing Home Injuries Falls From Bed

Falls From Bed

There are many injuries which happen in areas you would think you are safe such as in bed. It is not uncommon for vulnerable adults such as nursing home residents to have falls from bed from rolling out of bed, or losing their balance exiting or entering bed. Serious injuries can occur from falling from the bed and hitting the bed, floor or nightstand or other obstacle near the bed such as a table or oxygen tank. Residents can suffer femur and hip fractures, and other life threatening injuries such as head injuries with hematomas. Many accident also happen when residents are transferred from wheelchairs to bed or from mechanical patient lifts to and from beds and lose balance or fall from the lift.

Approximately 1.8 million emergency room visits and over 400 thousand hospital admission occur to those over the age of 65 resulted from falling out of bed according to the Center for Disease Control.

Falls From Bed Can Be Prevented

Pursuant to 42 CFR 483.25, quality of care is a fundamental principle that applies to all treatment and care provided to facility residents. Based on the comprehensive assessment of a resident, the facility must ensure that residents receive treatment and care in accordance with professional standards of practice, the comprehensive person-centered care plan, and the resident’s choices, including but not limited to the following:

(d) Accidents. The facility must ensure that—

(1) The resident environment remains as free of accident hazards as is possible; and

(2) Each resident receives adequate supervision and assistance devices to prevent accidents.

(n) Bed rails. The facility must attempt to use appropriate alternatives prior to installing a side or bed rail. If a bed or side rail is used, the facility must ensure correct installation, use, and maintenance of bed rails, including but not limited to the following elements.

(1) Assess the resident for risk of entrapment from bed rails prior to installation.

(2) Review the risks and benefits of bed rails with the resident or resident representative and obtain informed consent prior to installation.

(3) Ensure that the bed’s dimensions are appropriate for the resident’s size and weight.

(4) Follow the manufacturers’ recommendations and specifications for installing and maintaining bed rails.

Pursuant to Minnesota Statute 144.7056, Subdivision 1., each facility shall report to the commissioner the occurrence of any of the adverse health care events described in subdivisions 2 to 7 as soon as is reasonably and practically possible, but no later than 15 working days after discovery of the event. The report shall be filed in a format specified by the commissioner and shall identify the facility but shall not include any identifying information for any of the health care professionals, facility employees, or patients involved. The commissioner may consult with experts and organizations familiar with patient safety when developing the format for reporting and in further defining events in order to be consistent with industry standards.

Minnesota Statute 144,7065, Subd. 5., mandates reporting under care management events. Events reportable under this subdivision (7) patient death or serious injury associated with a fall while being cared for in a facility

Attorney For Falls From Bed

I 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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Falls in Bathroom in Minnesota Nursing Home

Written By: Kenneth LaBore | Published On: 29th January 2017 | Category: Fall Injuries, Grab Bars, Hoyer Lift, Patient Lift, Wrongful Death | RSS Feed

Nursing Home Resident Fractures Due to Falls in Bathroom

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 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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Minnesota Nursing Home Neglect Falls

Written By: Kenneth LaBore | Published On: 29th January 2017 | Category: Fall Injuries, Hoyer Lift, Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect, Patient Lift, Wrongful Death | RSS Feed

Minnesota Nursing Home Neglect Falls Fracrtured Femur, Pelvis and Head Injuries

Nursing Home Neglect Falls

There many ways in which preventable falls occur in nursing homes, there are falls that happen when a resident is not given the assistance they need in walking or transfers and end up losing strength and balance and then fall. Loss of balance also leads to falls in the bathroom and when dressing. There are also falls when residents are not placed in a wheelchair or chair properly, or the wrong size chair and they slide out and injure themselves. Many falls happen when a resident is dropped from a Hoyer type patient lift or slips out of a improperly attached sling. Falls in nursing homes lead to many types of serious injury including fractured hips, pelvic and femur fractures, and head injuries many with subdural hematomas.

Preventing Nursing Home Neglect Falls

According the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, there are causes for fall in nursing homes:

Muscle weakness and walking or gait problems are the most common causes of falls among nursing home residents. These problems account for about 24% of the falls in nursing homes.
Environmental hazards in nursing homes cause 16% to 27% of falls among residents.
Such hazards include wet floors, poor lighting, incorrect bed height, and improperly fitted or maintained wheelchairs.
Medications can increase the risk of falls and fall-related injuries. Drugs that affect the central nervous system, such as sedatives and anti-anxiety drugs, are of particular concern. Fall risk is significantly elevated during the three days following any change in these types of medications.
Other causes of falls include difficulty in moving from one place to another (for example, from the bed to a chair), poor foot care, poorly fitting shoes, and improper or incorrect use of walking aids.

According to the CDC, each year, millions of older people—those 65 and older—fall. In fact, more than one out of four older people falls each year, but less than half tell their doctor. Falling once doubles your chances of falling again.

Falls Are Serious and Costly:

One out of five falls causes a serious injury such as broken bones or a head injury.
Each year, 2.8 million older people are treated in emergency departments for fall injuries.
Over 800,000 patients a year are hospitalized because of a fall injury, most often because of a head injury or hip fracture.
Each year at least 300,000 older people are hospitalized for hip fractures.
More than 95% of hip fractures are caused by falling, usually by falling sideways.
Falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
Adjusted for inflation, the direct medical costs for fall injuries are $31 billion annually. Hospital costs account for two-thirds of the total.

Mandated Reporting of Nursing Home Neglect Falls

According to Minnesota law requiring mandated reporting for health care providers nursing homes must report to the state pursuant to Minnesota Statute 144.7065, Subd 5.(7) patient death or serious injury associated with a fall while being cared for in a facility.

Nursing Home Neglect Falls Attorney

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Fractures from Falls in Minnesota Elder Care Facilities

Written By: Kenneth LaBore | Published On: 29th January 2017 | Category: Fall Injuries, Hoyer Lift, Inadequate Staffing/Training, Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect, Patient Lift, Wrongful Death | RSS Feed

Head Injury, Arm Fracture, Hip Fracture, Femur Fracture, Subdural Hematoma, Hip Fractures from Falls

Fractures From Falls in Nursing Homes

Many of the fractures from falls in nursing homes and other care settings are preventable had the resident received proper supervision or had their been adequate numbers of well trained staff to perform tasks such as transfers from wheelchairs and chairs, toileting, and assessment related to falls from the bed. Fractures can be very serious and due to complications can often lead to permanent injuries and disabilities or death.

Fractures From Falls From Patient Lift

Fractures From Falls From Hoyer Type Mechanical Patient Lift

One of the higher risk situations for residents of nursing homes or other elder care facilities is patient transfer from bed to wheelchair, wheelchair to bed or toilet and other transfers. The use of a mechanical patient lift can assist with these transfer when done safely but can lead to serious injuries when not performed correctly. Many times accident are due to the lifts not being used or set up as directed by the manufacturer. Another reason is the failure to use the right size or proper type of sling for the patient lift. Many falls occur when the sling is not attached to the lift clips per directions.

Nursing Home and Elder Injuries and Fractures as a Result of Wheelchairs

Fractures From Falls From Wheelchairs and Chairs

Injuries from wheelchair and even reclining chairs are common in senior care environments. The injuries usually occur due to a wheelchair tips over on ramps or curbs, falls down stairs, allows the resident to slip out of the chair, the resident’s feet are allowed to drag causing leg and feet injuries and others. Residents must receive the supervision and care necessary to avoid injuries including wheelchair falls and injuries.

Nursing Home Injuries Due to Falls in Bathrooms

Fractures From Falls In Bathroom

The bathroom is an area where many types of injuries occur. Fall injuries related to a loss of balance when setting down or getting up from the toilet. Injuries from lifts on the toilet or in the shower. Injuries from slipping in the shower or entering bath or shower. Injuries also occur when dressing and undressing for baths and showering. Most injuries in the bathroom are preventable if the resident receives the patient assistance and supervision necessary to provide for their toileting and hygiene needs.

Nursing Home Falls from Bed Can Lead to Serious Injury Fractures and Death

Fractures From Falls From Bed

Although it may seem like someone is safe in their bed, vulnerable nursing home residents suffer serious fractures, head injuries and others when they fall from their bed onto the floor or hit their head or body on items near the bed such as oxygen tanks and night stands. Many of the injuries as result of falling from bed are preventable, however, nursing homes often refuse or negligently fail to provide bed rails, lower the bed height, provide safety mats or other safety interventions to protect residents at risk of falls.

Fractures From Falls are Often Medical Malpractice Cases

If you suffer an fractures from falls when a resident in a nursing home, assisted living, memory care, hospital or other medical or senior care environment the provide may be responsible in part or whole for a lack of supervision or improper use of medical equipment and other reasons. You need expert medical opinions in Minnesota to bring a lawsuit for medical malpractice and for many issues related to wrongful death claims.

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