Nursing Home Falls: Causation, Prevention, and Legal Action

While this is not an exhaustive list, these are among the most common examples of nursing home abuse in the form of neglect. 

If you have reason to suspect that your loved one is being neglected at their nursing home facility, you may wish to file a formal complaint with the state of New York. To do so, you will need to take note of visible signs such as injuries, weight changes, and living conditions. You may also wish to contact local authorities or local elder care ombudsmen.

If the abuse persists, you may wish to pursue legal action with the assistance of a personal injury lawyer. To speak with a nursing home neglect lawyer in New York, call Grennan Law: (516) 745-5490.

Preventing Nursing Home Falls

Nursing homes are legally required to provide a safe environment for all nursing home residents, and this includes taking proactive steps to prevent falls. Effective fall prevention depends on the care required of each individual resident, with sufficient staffing to accommodate the care needed as residents’ needs change.

Read More: Fall Prevention Practices and Implementation Strategies: Examining Consistency Across Hospital Units

Medication Management

Appropriate medication is a critical component of eldercare and fall prevention in nursing home settings. Many medications have side effects like dizziness, drowsiness, or impaired balance; these can significantly increase fall risk, particularly among older adults. The risk escalates with polypharmacy—when residents are taking multiple medications—because the side effects and interactions can compound, making falls more likely. 

Particular care should be taken with psychotropic medications, such as antipsychotics, antidepressants, and benzodiazepines. Studies have found that regular use of psychotropics can nearly triple the incidence of falls among residents. By prioritizing medication safety and vigilant monitoring, facilities can significantly reduce the likelihood of falls and improve the overall safety of their residents. 

Fall Risk Assessments

Nursing home facilities have a number of evidence-based screening tools at their disposal that can assess residents for fall risk. The Morse Fall Scale and the Hendrich II Fall Risk Model, for example, allow nursing home staff to evaluate mobility limitations, medication use, cognitive status, and history of previous falls. When integrated into regular evaluations, these assessments help nursing home facilities to tailor interventions to each resident’s individual needs. 

However, fall risk assessment can also be as simple as observing and responding to each resident’s habits, routines, and personal risk factors. Each staff member should know every resident’s medical history, sleep/wake routines, recency of medical events and known fall risk. Appropriate staff response also involves the residents’ families in care planning and fall prevention strategies.

Preventative care—physical therapy, assistive devices, or handrails and so forth—can also address a resident’s vulnerabilities before an accident occurs. When vetting a nursing home facility, it is always a good idea to ask about fall-risk assessment procedures.

Environmental Modifications

Keeping frequently used items within easy reach is a simple yet highly effective way to reduce the risk of falls in nursing homes. When residents can easily access personal belongings, call buttons, water, and other necessities without stretching or standing, they are less likely to attempt unsafe movements that could lead to accidents. Staff should routinely check that these items remain accessible and encourage residents to ask for assistance if needed.

Keeping hallways clutter-free is another crucial preventive measure. Obstacles such as loose rugs, electrical cords, or misplaced furniture can create dangerous tripping hazards. Regular housekeeping and vigilant monitoring by staff help maintain clear pathways, allowing residents to move about safely and confidently throughout the facility. Adequate lighting, especially in bathrooms and at night, plays a significant role in fall prevention. 

Adjusting bed heights and providing non-slip flooring are additional modifications that can make a significant difference. Beds should be set at a height that allows residents to get in and out easily, reducing the risk of falls during transfers. Non-slip flooring in bedrooms, bathrooms, and common areas offers extra traction, further minimizing the chance of slips and falls. These changes, though straightforward, are essential for creating a safer living space for nursing home residents.

Staff Training and Adequate Staffing

It should go without saying that all nursing home staff should be trained in fall prevention, safe transfer techniques, and emergency response. Staff members should be able to recognize fall risks, implement preventive measures, and assist residents with mobility in ways that minimize the chance of accidents. Proper instruction in safe transfer techniques—helping residents move from beds to chairs, for instance—reduces the likelihood of both resident and staff injuries. 

Of course, no amount of training can offset an inappropriate staff-to-resident ratio. Simply having enough caregivers and medical professionals on staff is critical to ensuring timely assistance and adequate supervision for nursing home residents. Adequate staffing also allows for more frequent monitoring of residents, enabling staff to notice subtle changes in health or mobility that might increase fall risk. Optimal staff-to-resident ratios have been shown to significantly reduce the likelihood of falls and improve overall resident well-being.

What to Do If a Fall Occurs in a Nursing Home

After a fall—in a nursing home or elsewhere—seek medical attention immediately. Make sure that any injuries are properly assessed and treated by qualified healthcare professionals to prevent complications and ensure the best possible recovery. Next, document the incident and record important details such as the date, time, location, circumstances of the fall, any injuries sustained, and the names of any witnesses. Always notify the nursing home administration about the incident, and request a detailed incident report; facilities are required by law to document and report such events. 

If you suspect negligence or inadequate care contributed to the fall, speak to a nursing home abuse lawyer promptly. Grennan Law offers free consultations when you call (516) 745-5490.