Types of Falls in Chicago Nursing Homes

 Posted on December 28, 2023 in Bed Sores

Falls are a serious concern in nursing homes, often resulting in severe injuries and even fatalities in the most serious of falls. When someone you love lives in a nursing home, it is essential to understand the different types of falls and their legal implications. Contact a lawyer in Illinois if falls are a concern of yours.

What Kinds of Falls Are Taking Place in Nursing Homes? 

• Slips and trip falls – Slip and trip falls occur when a resident slips on a wet surface, trips over an obstacle, or encounters hazards like loose flooring or uneven surfaces. These falls can be caused by negligent maintenance, failure to clean up spills promptly, or inadequate supervision.

• Bed and chair falls – These falls occur when a resident falls out of bed or from a chair. These falls can be attributed to inadequate bed rails, improper positioning, or insufficient assistance from nursing home staff. Residents at risk of falling should receive appropriate monitoring and assistance to prevent such incidents. 

• Transfer falls – Transfer falls occur while moving a resident from one location to another, such as from a bed to a wheelchair or from a wheelchair to a toilet. These falls can result from improper lifting techniques, lack of assistive devices, or insufficient staffing levels. 

Importance of Understanding Physiological and Accidental Falls

Physiological falls are falls that happen due to an underlying medical condition or physical impairment. These falls can be caused by factors such as dizziness, loss of balance, muscle weaknesses, or medication side effects. Nursing homes must assess residents' needs and develop care plans that address their specific risk factors for physiological falls. This may include the implementation of fall prevention strategies, like regular exercise programs, medication reviews, and environmental modifications.

On the other hand, accidental falls occur because of environmental hazards or human error. These falls can result from factors like wet floors, improper use of assistive devices, or lack of supervision. Nursing homes must ensure a safe environment for residents by maintaining well-lit and clutter-free spaces, conducting regular safety inspections, and properly training staff on fall prevention techniques. 

Contact a Chicago, IL Nursing Home Falls Attorney

Falls can be a traumatic experience for older adults living in nursing homes. Contact a Cook County, IL nursing home falls lawyer with Schwartz Injury Law for legal guidance in pursuing a case. Call 312-535-4625 for a free consultation.