People often need a bit of help when they reach an advanced age. This is something that you might have experienced with your elderly parents recently. You and the family have come together and decided that the best thing to do is to move your parents somewhere where they can receive round-the-clock assistance.
Nursing homes owe a legal duty of care to their residents and this is something that most facilities take very seriously. Unfortunately, there are some instances when institutions fail in this duty. Nursing home falls are fairly common and very dangerous.
What steps should facilities take to prevent them?
Take no chances with lighting
Nursing homes have to pay electricity bills like any other residence or business. In an attempt to reduce costs, management may choose to install power-saving light bulbs. They might also put lighting on a timer or use motion sensors to try and cut down on electricity use.
This is all well and good but these measures cannot come at the cost of safety. The vision of elderly individuals can be compromised at the best of times, and poor lighting is highly likely to result in a fall.
Safety rails
Elderly individuals can struggle to maintain their balance. Safety rails can help with this. Rails can be installed on stairways, hallways and bathrooms.
In fact, they can be beneficial in almost every part of the nursing home. Without them, elderly residents have nothing to hold on to which means they cannot regain their balance should they start to fall.
If a family member has suffered a fall in a nursing home, then you may be able to hold management to account. Seeking some legal guidance may help you to obtain compensation for the suffering of your loved one.
