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Aug 7, 2023

by  Dalli & Marino

How Are Nursing Home Falls a Sign of Neglect?

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Home » Blog » How Are Nursing Home Falls a Sign of Neglect?

Nursing homes are supposed to be a safe haven for your elderly loved ones. However, the unfortunate reality is that some nursing homes fail to provide the quality care their residents need. One of the most alarming and distressing issues that can arise in these facilities is falls among the elderly residents. 

Nursing home falls are not merely accidents; they often signify a more profound problem of neglect. This is why nursing home falls can indicate negligence. Reach out to our team at Dalli & Marino, LLP today if you have further questions about your loved one’s care.

The Relationship Between Falls and Neglect in Nursing Care Facilities

When falls become a recurring issue, it raises red flags about the quality of care in that facility. Neglect can manifest in various ways, including:

  • Inadequate staffing: Insufficient staffing means that residents might not receive timely assistance with daily activities such as walking and moving around. This can increase the likelihood of falls.
  • Lack of supervision: Many falls happen when residents attempt tasks they cannot perform independently. Without proper supervision, these attempts can result in accidents.
  • Ignoring individual needs: Each resident has unique requirements and risk factors. Neglect occurs when these needs are not considered in care plans, leading to preventable falls.
  • Failure to provide mobility aids: Residents who need mobility aids like wheelchairs, walkers, or canes should have them available and have proper training to use them. Neglecting to provide and teach residents how to use these aids can lead to avoidable falls.

Nursing home residents are often vulnerable due to limited mobility, frailty, and medical conditions. However, it’s within the facility’s duty of care to create a safe environment that’s free from perilous risks.

Signs Your Loved One Has Fallen at a Nursing Home

You should be aware of tell-tale signs that may indicate your loved one is a victim of a nursing care facility fall. The following are the signs to watch out for if you suspect your loved one has experienced a fall while living in a nursing home.

  • Physical injuries: Visible physical injuries are often the most apparent signs of a fall. Bruises, cuts, scrapes, or fractures may indicate a bodily injury. These injuries may appear suddenly and without a clear explanation, signaling that a fall might have occurred.
  • Changes in mobility: If your loved one suddenly experiences difficulty walking, standing, or moving, it could signify a recent fall.
  • Emotional and behavioral changes: Falls can have psychological impacts as well. If your loved one becomes more withdrawn, anxious, or exhibits changes in behavior, it might be due to the emotional trauma associated with a fall.
  • Unexplained pain: Complaints of pain, especially in specific areas like the back, hips, or limbs, can suggest a fall. 
  • Inconsistent explanations: Conflicting or inconsistent explanations about an injury’s cause, especially from nursing home staff, could signal that there’s more to the story than you’re being told.
  • Changes in care plans: If there’s a sudden change in your loved one’s care plan, such as increased monitoring or medication changes, it might indicate that a fall has occurred.
  • Documentation discrepancies: Discrepancies in documentation or vague descriptions of injuries could indicate attempts to downplay the severity of a fall.

If you notice a fall or suspect anything, speak with a New York nursing home negligence lawyer for expert advice.

Take a Stand Against Neglect With Dalli & Marino, LLP

Nursing home falls are not isolated accidents but often a distressing sign of neglect within care facilities. Families entrust the well-being of their loved ones to these institutions, and neglect of any form is a breach of that trust.

At Dalli & Marino, LLP, we are dedicated to safeguarding the rights of nursing home residents and their families. If you suspect neglect or inadequate care has led to a nursing home fall, our experienced New York nursing home negligence attorneys can help you navigate the legal process. Contact us online or at (888) 465-8790 to discuss your concerns and learn more about your options. We also speak Spanish.