For children, fractures, commonly known as broken bones, can heal very quickly, sometimes in weeks. Complications are relatively rare. For seniors in nursing homes, fractures and broken bones can be devastating and in some cases can be fatal. For adults who are 65 years of age and older, fractures can take months to recover from and in some cases these breaks never quite heal correctly. In addition, significant fractures, such as hip fractures, are associated with shortened life expectancy. It is not uncommon for a senior to suffer a significant fracture and then to pass away within a year or a few years. Complications are also far more common in seniors, especially for those who have pre-existing medical conditions.
Unfortunately, fractures are also more of a concern for seniors. Medications as well as medical conditions can make them more prone to falling. Mobility issues, vision problems, and other concerns also make them more vulnerable to falls. Conditions such as osteoporosis can mean bones are weaker and therefore more likely to break, even without falls.
Preventing Fractures in Hollywood Nursing Homes
For all these reasons, it is incumbent upon nursing homes to take extra measures to ensure residents stay safe and don’t face the risk of unnecessary falls or injuries. There are many things that nursing homes should be doing to keep residents safe:
- Hiring adequate and correctly trained staff
- Taking steps to prevent physical abuse
- Providing adequate supervision and support for all residents
- Helping residents who have osteoporosis or medical conditions which put them at risk of fractures
- Immediately taking residents who have fallen or may have suffered an injury to get medical assistance and evaluation
- Taking residents to regular checkups and regularly reviewing medication to reduce the risk of medical conditions and medications side effects
Unfortunately, many nursing homes don’t take adequate steps. Fractures can be caused by lack of proper supervision, poor lighting, falls from a bed, and even physical abuse. These incidents and others happen every day in nursing homes in Hollywood and across South Florida.
What to do in Case of a Fracture in a Hollywood Nursing Home
If a loved one has suffered a fracture or broken bone, it’s natural to ask questions. If you have a loved one in a nursing home who has suffered a serious brain injury, it is important to get answers. If you’d like to know whether you have a legal claim, you can always contact Flaxman Law Group at 1-866-352-9626 (1-866-FLAXMAN). In a free, no obligation consultation, a Hollywood nursing home abuse and neglect attorney can help you understand whether you have a claim and can answer some of your questions about your situation.