Everyone likes to think of nursing homes as places that senior citizens can feel safe. Unfortunately, many dangers lurk in nursing homes that can result in injuries and fatalities. One accident or unsafe condition can have severe consequences for elderly people.
With many people trusting nursing homes for care, it is important to understand what injuries are possible. Here are five ways that nursing home residents may get hurt.
1. Fall injuries
Falls are one of the top causes of elderly injuries. The CDC states that 2.8 million people 65 and older go to the emergency room for fall injuries every year. Twenty percent of falls result in serious injuries such as traumatic brain injuries and hip fractures.
2. Abuse and neglect
Nursing home staff members may be violent or neglectful toward elderly residents. Physical violence, sexual abuse and neglect are far too common in senior-care facilities. These instances can result in broken bones, lacerations, inadequate medical care and mental health problems.
3. Bedsores
If a senior patient remains in bed in one position for a long period of time, pressure ulcers can form. These ulcers are often known as bedsores and usually occur on the hips, tailbone, ankles or heels. Many senior patients are unable to switch positions on their own and require help from staff.
4. Medication errors
Sometimes injuries occur with the prescription or administration of drugs. Common causes of nursing home medication errors include:
- Misdiagnosis
- Incorrect prescription
- Improper dosage
- Lack of nursing staff
- Interactions with other medications
Many residents in nursing homes require multiple drugs, which can result in harmful consequences if they are not administered properly.
Nursing homes are not always as safe as you think. These are prevalent risks facing elderly people who simply want proper care. Dangerous conditions, abuse and neglect in nursing homes are never acceptable. Anyone suffering injuries in a nursing home should consider filing a personal injury claim.