Scott M. Kuboff, Esq. is a Chardon Ohio Nursing Fall Attorney with the law firm of Lowe Scott Fisher Co, LPA who helps his clients receive fair and just compensation for injuries resulting from falls and other accidents in Ohio’s nursing homes.

Nursing Home Resident Safety

 Every nursing home must ensure that the resident’s environment remains as free from hazards as possible and each resident receives adequate supervision and assistance devices to prevent falls or other accidents.   Falls and accidents are avoidable and the nursing home is required to:

• Identify environmental hazards

• Identify individual resident’s risk factors for a fall or other accident

• Identify the need to supervise residents

• Implement appropriate interventions consistent with the resident’s needs, goals and care plan

• Monitor the interventions and modify as needed

Falls in Nursing Homes

Older persons have both a high incidence of, and a high likelihood of injury from falls.   Factors that contribute to a person falling include:

• Environmental hazards

• Underlying medication conditions

• Physical strength, mobility and balance

• Functional impairment 

• Cognitive impairment

• Visual impairment

• Medication side effects 

Residents should have assistive devices for mobility – canes, walkers, and wheelchairs – that are appropriate for their condition.  Staff assistance may be necessary for transfers or while bathing.  Trip hazards should be identified and eliminated.  Bed alarms placed for residents who wander or elope.  Of course, the nursing home staff must remain vigilant and monitor the residents.  

Other Accidents in Nursing Homes

 There are other types of avoidable accidents that occur inside a nursing home including:

• Scalding from hot water

• Injuries from chemical and toxins

• Electrical injuries and burns

Individuals in nursing homes typically have conditions that make their skin more susceptible to burns caused by scalding.  Nursing homes must ensure the water heater is set to an appropriate temperature so the water used for bathing is not too hot.  If necessary, to assist residents when bathing.  

Cleaning products, drugs and other therapeutics should be properly secured to prevent unintended contact or ingestion.  

Space heaters, heating pads and electrical blankets all have the ability to cause burns or fires.   The cords of these devices should be inspected and in good condition before being put to use.   Prolonged use of a heating pad should be avoided and residents should not go to sleep with an electric blanket or heating pad turned on. 

Nursing Home Abuse

Falls and accidents are preventable. Understaffing, poor training, and inattention lead to elderly residents needlessly suffering from falls, burns, and other accidents while in the care of a nursing home. A Chardon Ohio nursing home abuse lawyer will advocate for your loved one and hold the nursing home accountable.