It’s been estimated that about 5% of adults over the age of 65 live in nursing homes. It’s scary to think that these nursing home residents account for 20% of the total deaths that result from a fall for those 65 years of age or older. Understanding the various causes of falls in Alabama nursing homes can help residents to better avoid these causes and lower their risk of falling.

One of the biggest reasons that residents fall in nursing homes is because they have muscular weakness. This weakness can cause them to develop gait or walking problems. If you’re experiencing muscular weakness or a problem with your walking, it’s always advisable to use another means of transportation like a wheelchair to avoid falling.

Various premises liability lawsuits are filed every year against nursing homes by injured residents that fell due to environmental hazards. Environmental hazards include wet floors, improperly maintained wheelchairs, incorrect bed heights and even poor lighting. When picking out a nursing home to go to, it’s important to take these environmental hazards into consideration.

Another common reason that nursing home residents experience more falls than the average citizen is due to the side effects of medications. When these residents are administered sedatives and anti-anxiety drugs, it can affect their central nervous system. When this happens, they will experience a lack of coordination and muscular weakness which can lead to a fall.

Nursing home falls happen every single year and result in mild to fatal injuries. By understanding the causes of these falls, residents and facilities can work together to eliminate the number of falls that happen each year. If you or a loved one has fallen in a nursing home, it’s important to contact an attorney who could help protect your rights.

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