Falls present a serious injury threat to elderly individuals. Even with preventative measures in place, you may notice your loved one with unexplained bruises, broken bones or head injuries from falling in their assisted living environment.
When loved ones are in a care facility, you expect a level of attention and concern for their well-being. Continual episodes of falling could expose the possibility of your loved one experiencing neglect.
Fall prevention in assisted living facilities
One out of every four Americans older than 65 falls each year. Falls often bring life-threatening injuries to elderly individuals, as hip fractures and traumatic brain injuries are common concerns with a fall. Elderly individuals are susceptible to falls given their medication regimens, failing balance and growing weakness.
Elderly individuals often reside in facilities as a matter of health protection and fall prevention. Safeguards are put in place to keep residents from falling, but there are times when poor lighting, cluttered hallways, slippery floors and inattentive staff contribute to an increased risk of falling.
Neglect and the relationship to falls
While falls can still happen regardless of precautions, there are situations where neglect of assisted living residents results in serious injuries. Some of the situations that qualify as neglect include:
- Failing to train or oversee caregivers in monitoring residents
- Failing to take precautions with residents who are fall risks
- Failing to have assistive devices and equipment to prevent falls
Neglect can also occur when staff ignores the dietary or medical needs of residents, leading to an increased risk of weakness, illness and falling.
If you continually see bruises on your loved one, you need to start making inquiries. Excessive falling could indicate a situation of neglect.
