Nursing Home Falls

Bruce Bierhans

Attorney
(866) 735-1102 Ext 540

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Why should anyone fall seven times in a nursing home??

Seems like a reasonable question...one asked by a client of ours when his mother died after seven falls from her wheelchair. Unfortunately, the decedent had never been evaluated as a fall risk, nor had the client been consulted about a possible safety restraint, known as a "lap buddy" that could have prevented the death.

When you admit a family member to a facility, make sure you are proactive and that you ask questions. If the family member has fallen in the past (as this poor woman had) or if it is an issue you are concerned about...address it. How will your family member be monitored, who will be the caregivers, are any safety restraints necessary, how fast will medical care be provided if a fall occurs??

Nursing homes are valuable facilities that provide needed care. However, horror stories occur there as well. If you have a question about a nursing home that calls for an answer, we can help.