Falls are a top concern in assisted living facilities, as they account for many serious injuries and premature deaths affecting the older generation. Although falling is a frequent occurrence among senior citizens, there is extra cause for alarm if a loved one is experiencing multiple falls while in the care of nursing home staff. Often, this is a sign of nursing home neglect, meaning residents aren’t being properly taken care of. The legal team at Reed Law Offices has vast experience representing cases involving nursing home abuse and negligence in Omaha, NE. They have advocated on behalf of numerous elderly clients and their family members to help them get the justice they deserve.

Below, they discuss some important information to know about falls and how they might relate to neglect:

• Common Causes of Falls: There are a number of factors that can contribute to falls in an assisted living facility. In cases where nursing home neglect is cited, some of the most common causes involve residents not having the proper walking aids they need to get around safely, inadequate assistance and supervision from the staff, lack of sufficient cleaning and maintenance to remove falling hazards, and poor lighting.
• Preventive Measures: By implementing preventive measures, nursing homes can reduce the number of falls among their residents. Each new patient should be assessed to determine their risk of falling, and the staff made aware of the results. All spills should be promptly cleaned, mobility devices supplied, exercise programs made available, and staff correctly trained on fall prevention strategies.
• Signs of Neglect: There are many signs that might indicate nursing home neglect is a problem. Keep an eye out for problems such as an unsanitary environment or objects left along walking paths that could become safety hazards. It’s vital to take note of recurring bruises, abrasions, cuts, and other injuries on your loved one that can be attributed to falling.

If you have a loved one that has been repeatedly injured from falls while in their assisted living facility, you should investigate what’s causing it to happen. Failing to do so could leave them vulnerable to the serious damages nursing home neglect can cause. Contact Reed Law Offices at (402) 933-0588 to schedule a consultation with a lawyer, or visit their website to learn more about their practice areas.