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People who live in nursing homes or assisted living facilities are there because they cannot take care of themselves or do not have anyone able to assist them at home.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says that in nursing home/assisted living facilities that have 100 beds, there are 100 to 200 reported falls every year. The facility medical staff has a duty to insure residents are not suffering from any medical problems which could lead to falls. The staff must also be responsible for maintaining a hazard-free environment for all residents and visitors.

• The most common causes of nursing/home assisted living facility falls are general muscle weakness, walking and/or gait problems. These problems account for about 24 percent of all falls in facilities.
• Some other conditions that could lead to falls are inner ear disorders and eyesight issues. 
  • WebMD says that more than a third of older adults may have an inner ear balance disorder that puts them at high risk of potentially disabling falls.
    • “Given the high prevalence of this impairment, notably among the elderly, screening for vestibular dysfunction in assisted living or nursing home facilities could be life-saving,” said Yuri Agrawal, MD of The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and colleagues in the Archives of Internal Medicine.
  • A year-long CDC study found that 1.3 million people over 65 with poor eyesight fell at least once in 2014. Experts say the link between balance and vision is crucial, especially as we age.

Environmental hazards, such as improperly fitted or maintained wheelchairs, wet floors, debris, poor lighting, and incorrect bed height account for 16 percent to 27 percent of resident falls.

Transitioning from a bed to a chair, or a chair to a bed, can prove difficult for nursing home/assisted living residents. Falls can occur because of balance issues, poor foot care, improperly fitted shoes and/or improper use of walking aids.

Some patient medications can also increase the risk of falls and fall-related injuries. Many residents are on drugs that can affect the central nervous system. These drugs include sedatives and anti-anxiety drugs.

What if a resident suffers a slip and fall accident?

Nursing home and assisted living facilities are required by Florida statute (Section 400.022) to provide adequate and appropriate health care and protective and support services within established and recognized standards. 

“Should you or a loved one be injured at a nursing home or assisted living facility, we at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. are available to assist you 24/7. There are no costs or attorney fees unless we make a monetary recovery for you,” said Fort Myers Nursing Home Abuse Attorney Randall Spivey.

Florida Nursing Home Negligence Attorney,Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Civil Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%)percent of Florida attorneys. He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida. For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at  239. 337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839, or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com  for more information. You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.