Our nursing home negligence lawyers often see the dire and life-threatening consequences of frequent falls in nursing homes. Recent studies find that half of residents who suffer a hip fracture after falling either pass away or lose mobility completely. Families need to remember that there is help available, and many recovery options for elderly nursing home residents.
The above-mentioned study was conducted by the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine. Researchers at the University observed more than 60,000 nursing home residents who were hospitalized for hip fractures in a four-year period. Among their findings, researchers noted that residents above the age of 90 and those who did not undergo surgery for the fracture were most likely to pass away or become disabled.
Most of the nursing home residents observed for this study were able to move around on their own before they suffered a hip fracture, however, after the injury they suffered from many different types of disabilities. This reinforces the need to focus on preventing falls in the first place.
Six months after hospitalization, about one in three nursing home residents had passed away. Interestingly, males had a much higher mortality rate compared to female residents. By the one-year mark from injury date, about half of the patients had died.
Among the residents who survived, nearly 30% had to depend on others to help them get around, to get in and out of bed, and to perform personal hygiene. This significantly restricted their ability to participate in nursing home activities, so they spend much more time in bed, which in turn only amplifies their fragility.
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Families with a loved one in a nursing home should be aware that, if a fall does occur and the patient suffers a hip fracture or break, they will likely never return to their pre-injury health state. It may also be helpful to encourage residents to undergo surgery for the fracture, even if they express hesitation. In these and other areas, families should begin planning for the future care of their loved one, who may become newly dependent on nursing home staff to get around.
About 12% of those involved in the study did not elect for surgery after their fracture, and that 12% were significantly more likely to die or need constant assistance than those who did undergo surgery. It is important for patients and their families to discuss the option of surgery with their doctors, even if it is not originally recommended. Surgery may still be possible even for those who have a host of other medical conditions.
Hip fractures left untreated can be extremely painful, with pieces of broken bone rubbing together with even minor movement. The benefits of reparative surgery can range from extending life to improving mobility, however, no one should be forced to undergo a procedure if they do not want it.
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Many nursing home residents, because of cognitive conditions like dementia, are unable to make complex medical decisions for themselves. Compounding this, dementia residents are typically more vulnerable to falls and broken bones than other nursing home residents. In this type of case, is it important for family members to work together with the nursing home and medical care team to determine the best course of action for the resident.
Take a look at our recent blog on hospice care, for more information on end-of-life care options and the best bets for each type of patient. There are also options for those suffering from dementia – more than 15 million people in the U.S. provide Alzheimer’s care exclusively.
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Familial support for nursing home residents is paramount. The presence of loved ones can help in immeasurable ways – physically, emotionally, spiritually and medically. Our team of nursing home neglect lawyers has been working with residents and their families for over 35 years. We are proud to fight for the rights of nursing home residents who have been severely injured while in the care of negligent or abuse staff. If you have any questions regarding abuse, neglect or mistreatment at a nursing home, contact our firm today. Our legal consultations are free, confidential, and available to concerned families nationwide.
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