Falls are a common safety concern as people age. Changes in equilibrium and a loss of strength can contribute to an increased risk of a same-level fall.
Older adults are at increased risk of serious injuries if they do fall. They can break bones or may suffer brain injuries because they cannot stop themselves when they fall.
Families often move their loved ones into nursing homes to protect them from the potential risk of a fall. Unfortunately, the issues at a nursing home may leave older adults at risk. Understaffing is a common problem that can have devastating consequences for nursing home residents.
Delays lead to unsafe choices
Nursing home residents largely rely on care workers to help them get dressed, bathe and complete other basic self-care tasks. Nursing home residents may wait half an hour or longer for a response from employees when they need assistance.
The more pressing the need seems and the longer the delay is, the greater the likelihood becomes of a nursing home resident attempting to manage tasks without support. Many falls are preventable with better staffing practices.
Insufficient staffing at a nursing home may also result in debris or spills accumulating in hallways and other patient areas. Slippery or dirty surfaces increase the risk of residents losing traction and falling abruptly. When chronic understaffing leaves nursing home residents without the hands-on support they need, their chances of falling and suffering injuries may increase significantly.
Taking legal action is an appropriate response to negligence that causes injuries in a nursing home. When there aren’t enough workers on hand, residents are potentially vulnerable, and facilities may ultimately be liable.
