Common Causes of Nursing Home Falls and How to Address Them

Falls in nursing homes are far too common and can lead to serious injuries that affect residents’ overall health and quality of life. For families, knowing a loved one has suffered a preventable fall is both heartbreaking and frustrating.

At The Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect Law Firm, PC, LLO, we are committed to holding facilities accountable when neglect or unsafe conditions contribute to these incidents.

With a focus on protecting Nebraska’s elderly population, we’ve seen how often falls stem from avoidable causes. Let’s explore the common reasons behind nursing home falls and actionable steps to address them, ensuring the safety and dignity of your loved ones.

Common Causes of Nursing Home Falls

Understanding why falls happen in nursing homes is the first step toward prevention. Many factors can increase a resident’s risk, from physical health challenges to unsafe environments. Let’s explore these in detail.

Physical Factors

Physical limitations often play a major role in nursing home falls, especially as many residents face age-related health conditions that weaken their bodies and mobility.

Gait and Balance Disorders

Difficulty walking or maintaining balance is a frequent issue among nursing home residents. Conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, strokes, recent surgery or arthritis can cause instability, making everyday movements a challenge. Without proper support, these challenges can lead to dangerous falls.

Muscle Weakness

Muscle weakness is cited as a leading cause of falls, contributing to 24% of incidents. Over time, residents may lose strength in their legs, making it harder to stand, walk, or transition from sitting to standing without assistance.

Visual Impairment

Vision problems are another significant contributor. Poor eyesight makes it harder for residents to see hazards like uneven flooring or obstacles in their path. Simple tasks like walking to the restroom at night can become risky.

Cognitive Impairment

For residents living with dementia or Alzheimer’s, confusion and memory issues increase the likelihood of falls. They may forget to use their walker, misjudge distances, or wander into unsafe areas without realizing the danger.

Environmental Hazards

Even in well-run facilities, environmental risks can play a significant role in falls. Nursing homes must proactively identify and address hazards to create a safer environment.

Wet Floors

Slippery surfaces from spilled water or improper cleaning are a common culprit. Facilities should ensure quick cleanup and place clear warning signs to prevent accidents.

Poor Lighting

Inadequate lighting, especially in hallways and bedrooms, can make it difficult for residents to see where they’re going. Bright, evenly distributed lighting can significantly reduce falls.

Cluttered Walkways

Items left in walkways, such as carts or equipment, can become dangerous obstacles. Keeping pathways clear and organized is essential for safety.

Incorrect Bed Height

Beds that are too high or too low make it harder for residents to get in and out safely. Adjustable beds and proper positioning can help reduce falls during transfers.

Improperly Maintained Wheelchairs

Wheelchairs with faulty brakes or damaged components can lead to accidents. Regular maintenance is critical to ensure residents’ mobility aids are safe to use.

Loose Carpets or Rugs

Unsecured rugs or uneven carpeting can easily cause a resident to trip. Proper flooring installation and routine inspections can help eliminate these risks.

Lack of Grab Bars

The absence of grab bars near beds, toilets, and showers makes it harder for residents to stabilize themselves. Installing sturdy grab bars is a simple and effective safety measure.

Inadequate Assistive Devices

Residents often rely on devices like walkers or canes, but poorly maintained or improperly fitted aids can do more harm than good. Staff should regularly inspect and adjust assistive devices as needed.

Neglect of Assistance

Inadequate staffing in nursing homes can lead to delayed responses to call lights, forcing residents into distressing situations. When assistance is unavailable, residents may face the horrible dilemma of soiling themselves or attempting to reach the restroom unaided, increasing the risk of falls. Implementing scheduled toileting and maintain sufficient staffing numbers at the nursing home can help prevent such incidents by anticipating residents’ needs and providing timely assistance.  

Medication-Related Issues

Many nursing home residents take multiple medications, and some of these can affect balance or coordination.

Sedatives and Anti-Anxiety Medications

Drugs that cause drowsiness or dizziness can make residents more prone to falls, especially if they try to stand or walk without help.

Polypharmacy

Taking several medications at once can lead to interactions that increase fall risk. Regular medication reviews are essential to minimize these dangers.

Other Factors

Difficulty in Transferring

Moving from a bed to a chair—or vice versa—can be risky, especially for residents who need assistance. Without proper support, these movements can result in falls.

Poor Foot Care and Footwear

Foot problems, such as bunions or poorly trimmed nails, can affect balance. Similarly, ill-fitting shoes without proper soles increase the likelihood of tripping.

Inadequate Staffing and Training

Understaffing and poorly trained employees often lead to neglect in monitoring and assisting residents. Without adequate supervision, fall risks go unnoticed.

Addressing Nursing Home Falls

Preventing falls in nursing homes requires a proactive approach that combines environmental improvements, regular assessments, sufficient staffing and staff training.

Comprehensive Fall Risk Assessments

Identifying high-risk residents is a critical first step. Regular assessments help staff create personalized care plans tailored to individual needs. Multifactorial intervention strategies can address physical, environmental, and medication-related risks simultaneously.

Environmental Modifications

Simple changes to the nursing home environment can make a significant difference.

●  Safety Improvements: Install grab bars, raised toilet seats, and handrails.

●  Lighting Enhancements: Ensure adequate lighting in all areas.

●  Floor Maintenance: Keep walkways clear and dry to eliminate tripping hazards.

Physical Health Interventions

Improving residents’ physical well-being is another key strategy.

●  Exercise Programs: Regular strength and balance exercises can help residents regain confidence in their movements.

●  Proper Footwear: Ensure all residents wear supportive, non-slip shoes.

●  Vision and Hearing Checks: Addressing sensory impairments reduces avoidable accidents.

Medication Management

Managing medications thoughtfully can reduce fall risks caused by side effects or drug interactions.

●  Regular Reviews: Physicians and staff should evaluate medications to ensure they are necessary and safe.

●  Minimize Sedatives: Reducing reliance on high-risk medications whenever possible can help.

Staff Training and Education

Educating nursing home staff is crucial to effective fall prevention.

●  Fall Prevention Training: Teach employees how to recognize and reduce fall risks.

●  Assistive Device Usage: Ensure staff knows how to use mobility aids correctly.

●  Sufficient Staff: Staffing the nursing home with a sufficient number of staff to meet the needs of all residents is crucial to preventing avoidable falls.

Monitoring and Support

Increasing supervision and using assistive technology can further safeguard residents.

●  Increased Supervision: Adequate staffing ensures residents receive timely assistance.

●  Technology Aids: Tools like bed alarms can alert staff to potential fall risks before accidents happen.

Have You or a Loved One Suffered from a Fall in a Nebraska Nursing Home?

Falls in nursing homes are often preventable, but when they happen due to neglect or unsafe conditions, it’s essential to take action. The Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect Law Firm, powered by Reed Law Offices, PC, LLO, is committed to protecting the rights of nursing home residents and holding facilities accountable for their failures.

If you or someone you love has experienced a fall in a Nebraska nursing home, don’t wait to seek help. Contact us today for a free consultation and learn how we can help you secure justice and ensure your loved one’s safety moving forward.

Call us at (402) 933-0588 or fill out our online contact form to get started. Together, we can make nursing homes safer for everyone.