Assisted living facilities, particularly nursing homes, are notorious for having many problems such as being understaffed, overcrowded, too expensive, and having poor food options. All of these situations have a negative impact on patients, affecting their well-being. The neglect on the part of nursing home staff can also contribute to these issues. With that being said, here are the five most common injuries and mistakes seen in assisted living facilities.
#1: Broken Bones and Fractures
The elderly population, in general, has a higher risk of breaking and/or fracturing bones due to decreased bone density, balance, and mobility. However, it is the responsibility of the staff of the facility to ensure that the patients aren’t in danger of falling, as elder falls can be fatal whether they happen in assisted living facilities or elsewhere. Some of the reasons residents may fall include:
- trying to get around on their own
- Staff members drop patients when moving them
- Patients are assaulted by staff members or other patients
- Natural obstructions, such as slippery floors
#2: Choking, Dehydration, and Malnutrition
Choking is an issue in assisted living facilities, as elderly people are prone to choking due to tooth loss and lack of saliva to help with proper swallowing. Because choking can result in brain death in just 10 minutes, staff must be able to recognize the signs of choking.
More than one-third of all nursing home residents in the U.S. experience dehydration, and dehydration is more dangerous for the elderly than other age groups. The good news is that most dehydration cases are preventable if the staff in assisted living facilities follow proper protocol.
Dehydration is also a part of malnutrition, and the other part of it is when nursing home patients don’t get enough food. This results in them having nutrient deficiencies. While malnutrition can be a result of staff neglect, it can also be because residents refuse to eat certain foods.
#3: Medication Errors
Medication errors can occur in any facility where medicine is administered to patients, including hospitals and rehabilitation centers. This is actually a common occurrence, especially in nursing homes and other assisted living facilities. Most people think that a medication error means that the wrong medication is given to a patient (which is true), but it can also mean:
- The wrong amount of medication was given
- The medication was given at the wrong time
- The medication was administered incorrectly
Although common, medication errors of any kind should not happen. When they do, it’s often the result of negligence or intentional harm. When a medication error occurs in a nursing home or other assisted living facility, nursing home abuse and neglect lawyers can help.
#4: Pressure Ulcers
Also known as bed sores or pressure sores, pressure ulcers form when too much pressure is placed on the skin for too long, and patients who as bedridden or who have limited mobility are at the highest risk for developing them. These sores are most likely to form on the buttocks, back of the head, and heels of the feet. It is the responsibility of the staff to move patients with limited mobility so they won’t develop a pressure sore. The four stages are:
- Stage 1: skin is red and warm
- Stage 2: skin is blistered
- Stage 3: first layer of skin is broken
- Stage 4: a deep wound that affects muscles, tissue, ligaments, and possibly bone
When a sore becomes too serious, it can become infected and lead to sepsis and death.
#5: Wrongful Death
Any of the mistakes and injuries listed above can result in wrongful death. A wrongful death means that death could have been prevented, but wasn’t due to the negligence of another party. Nursing home abuse and personal injury lawyers can also help families with wrongful death lawsuits if their loved one has passed due to someone else’s negligence. Financial compensation will help immediate family members and/or beneficiaries pay for funeral costs and other expenses.
Usually, higher-quality assisted living facilities won’t see these problems— but they also tend to be the most expensive. It’s important to keep in mind that assisted living is for those who need daily assistance, as all elderly people don’t need to be in assisted living. When it comes to deciding the living arrangements of your aging loved one, it’s best to put them in assisted living only if it’s absolutely necessary. If your loved one has been injured or a mistake was made in assisted living, it’s important to report the incident.
