Spinal Injuries in Nursing Home

As a nursing home resident, you rely on the staff members to ensure your safety and well-being. Unfortunately, accidents happen, and spinal cord injuries can occur, drastically affecting your quality of life.

Traumatic spinal cord injury can result from a fall injury, abuse, or other factors. Nursing homes must take measures to prevent spinal cord injuries and provide the necessary assistance to those who suffer from them.

Were you or a loved one a victim of negligence or abusive behavior at a nursing facility? The personal injury attorneys at Nursing Home Law Center, LLC legally advocate for nursing home patients harmed through abuse, mistreatment, and neglect.

Contact our nursing home abuse lawyers at (800) 926-7565 or use the contact form to schedule a free consultation. All confidential or sensitive information you share with our legal team remains private through an attorney-client relationship.

Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse Statistics

Nursing home neglect and abuse are significant issues contributing to spinal cord injuries in elderly residents. Here are some statistical data on nursing home neglect and abuse:

• According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), approximately one in three nursing homes in the United States has been cited for violations of federal standards that could have resulted in harm or injury to a resident.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 2% to 14% of older adults worldwide experience elder abuse yearly.
• The National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) reports that over 50% of nursing home staff admit to mistreating older patients.
• NCEA also reports that nearly one in 3 nursing homes in the United States have been cited for violations of federal standards that could have resulted in harm or injury to a resident.
• AARP reports that approximately one in 10 elderly Americans experience abuse or neglect yearly.
• The National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports that 60% of nursing home patients suffer from some form of neglect or abuse.
• The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) reports that nursing home patients who are neglected or abused are twice as likely to be hospitalized as those who are not.
• The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reports that nearly 20% of all nursing home residents are harmed from physical abuse.
• The National Institute of Health (NIH) reports that nursing home patients harmed from spinal cord injuries may experience complications such as paralysis, loss of bowel control, and a reduced quality of life.
• According to a retrospective study by the United Spinal Association, falls are the most common cause of spinal cord injuries in nursing facilities, accounting for approximately 27% of cases.
• A National Institute on Aging study found that elderly patients suffering from fall injuries are at a higher risk of complications such as fractures and head trauma.

These statistics highlight the prevalence and seriousness of nursing home neglect and abuse, which can lead to spinal cord injuries and other serious health complications for older people.

It’s essential to prevent and address neglect and abuse in nursing facilities to protect the health and well-being of our older population.

Understanding Spinal Cord Injuries in Nursing Homes

All caregivers must understand what causes them and the possible complications. Spinal cord injuries can be devastating for older adults, significantly impacting their quality of life.

It’s important to note that falls in nursing facilities can be particularly dangerous for older adults, as they often have weaker bones and are more vulnerable to injuries. Additionally, falls can have long-term consequences, including decreased mobility and independence.

The Most Common Cause of Spinal Injuries in Nursing Homes

Falls are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries in nursing home patients. As people age, their bones become more fragile, and their reflexes and balance decrease, making them more susceptible to falls.

When a nursing home resident falls, the impact can cause spinal cord injuries, including herniated discs, vertebrae dislocations, and paralysis from damage to the spinal column. Other injuries can include:

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Fractured bones, particularly the hip or femur
• Shoulder or arm fractures
• Wrist or hand fractures
• Ankle or foot fractures
• Pelvic fractures
• Soft tissue injuries such as contusions, sprains, and strains
• Cuts or lacerations
• Hematomas or bruises
• Concussions
• Internal injuries, such as bleeding or organ damage
• Damage to prosthetic limbs
• Fear, anxiety, or emotional trauma

Nursing home staff members must be vigilant in identifying patients at a higher risk of falling and take measures to prevent them from falling.

Complications of Spinal Cord Injuries in Elderly Patients

Spinal cord injury complications in older people can be severe and long-lasting. In addition to pain, spinal cord injuries can cause paralysis, loss of bowel and bladder control, and decreased well-being.

Older adults suffering from spinal cord injuries may require long medical treatment and rehabilitation, leading to significant medical costs. They may also suffer from other injuries, such as head trauma or fractures, which can further complicate their recovery.

Risk Factors for Spinal Cord Injuries in Nursing Homes

Falls are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries in nursing facilities. Elderly residents who are bed bound, have limited mobility, or suffer from other medical conditions are at a higher risk of falling.

Additionally, weakened abdominal muscles supporting the spine can increase the risk of spinal cord injuries from falls. Each staff member must be aware of these risks and take measures to prevent slips and falls, such as assisting disabled and elderly men and women with mobility and ensuring their living environment is free of hazards.

Abuse and Neglect: How to Spot the Signs

Abuse and neglect in nursing homes can also put residents at risk of spinal cord injuries. Signs of abuse or neglect can include bruises, unexplained injuries, and changes in the resident’s behavior.

Residents may sometimes suffer spinal cord injuries due to physical abuse or neglect, such as being dropped or mishandled during transfers. Staff members must be trained to recognize signs of abuse and neglect and take appropriate action to protect residents.

It’s important to note that there are other risks for spinal cord injuries in nursing homes, including head trauma and other medical conditions. However, by addressing falls and abuse and neglect, nursing facilities can take significant steps towards preventing these injuries and ensuring the safety of their residents.

Preventing Spinal Cord Injuries in Nursing Homes

Preventing spinal cord injuries in nursing homes requires a multifaceted approach that addresses greater risk factors, provides adequate assistance to residents, and trains staff members to recognize potential dangers.

Measures to Prevent Falls in Nursing Home Facilities

Preventing falls in nursing homes requires a combination of environmental modifications, resident assessments, and staff training.

Staff members should be trained to identify residents at a high risk of falling and provide appropriate help, such as assisting with mobility or using devices like walking aids or bed rails.

Nursing home facilities should be designed to minimize hazards, such as uneven floors, inadequate lighting, or cluttered living spaces. Regular assessments of residents’ physical and cognitive abilities can help staff members identify a greater risk and take steps to prevent falls.

Training Nursing Home Staff Members to Keep Residents Safe

Staff members in nursing facilities play a critical role in ensuring the safety of residents. They must be adequately trained to recognize potential risks and take appropriate action to prevent injuries.

Every staff member should receive training on proper transfer techniques, using mobility aids, and identifying potential hazards in the living environment. In addition, they should be trained to recognize signs of abuse and neglect and take appropriate action to protect residents.

Nursing facilities can significantly reduce the high risk of spinal cord injuries in their residents by implementing measures to prevent slips and falls and training staff members to keep residents safe.

What to Do If You or a Loved One Suffers a Spinal Cord Injury in a Nursing Home

Did you or a loved one suffer a spinal cord injury in a nursing home? Taking immediate action is essential to obtain a diagnosis, seek medical attention, and pursue maximum compensation for any resulting medical expenses, pain, and suffering.

Seeking Medical Attention and Obtaining a Diagnosis

Spinal cord injuries can have severe and long-lasting consequences, and it’s critical to seek medical attention as soon as possible to minimize the risk of health challenges. A timely diagnosis can help ensure that you or your loved one receives the appropriate treatment, including surgery, medication, and rehabilitation. Seeking the advice of a spinal cord injury specialist is also recommended.

Pursuing Financial Compensation for Medical Expenses and Pain and Suffering

Suffering a spinal cord injury can be emotionally and financially devastating. Medical bills can quickly pile up, and ongoing treatment and rehabilitation costs can be substantial. Pursuing compensation for medical costs and pain and suffering can help alleviate the financial burden and ensure that you or your loved one receives fair compensation for the harm.

Abuse and neglect can be factors in some spinal cord injuries involving elderly people in nursing homes. If abuse or neglect contributed to the injury, it might be possible to pursue compensation for damages, including future medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering.

Nursing Home-Acquired Pressure Sores Associated with a Spinal Cord Injury

Nursing home residents with spinal cord injuries are at increased risk of developing pressure sores, also known as bedsores. Pressure sores are injuries to the skin and underlying tissues that occur when a person remains in one position for long periods.

Causes and Risk Factors for Pressure Sores

The leading cause of pressure sores in individuals with spinal cord injuries is prolonged pressure on bony areas of the body, such as the hips, tailbone, and heels. Other risk factors include:

• Incontinence
• Poor nutrition and hydration
• Lack of mobility
• Poor skin care
• Medical conditions such as diabetes and vascular disease
• Cognitive impairment

Preventing and Treating Pressure Sores

Preventing pressure sores is essential to maintaining the health and well-being of nursing home patients with spinal cord injuries. Some measures to prevent pressure sores include:

• Repositioning the patient every two hours
• Using unique cushions and mattresses to relieve pressure
• Keeping the skin clean and dry
• Providing good nutrition and hydration
• Regularly assessing the skin for signs of damage

If a pressure sore develops, early intervention is crucial to prevent degrading health issues such as infection and the progression of the sore to a more severe stage. Treatment options may include:

• Cleaning and dressing the wound
• Medications to manage pain and infection
• Surgery in severe cases

The nursing home staff members are responsible for taking necessary measures to prevent and treat pressure sores in each patient with spinal cord injuries. Family members should also be aware of the risks and advocate for the best possible care for their loved ones.

Hire a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer to Resolve a Compensation Lawsuit

Have you or a loved one suffered a spinal cord injury in a nursing home due to the negligence of a staff member? It is essential to seek the help of an experienced attorney to pursue financial compensation for medical bills and pain and suffering.

Hiring a nursing home neglect lawyer can help you hold the responsible parties accountable and ensure you receive a fair settlement for the damages you have suffered.

At the Nursing Home Law Center, LLC, we specialize in helping victims of nursing home abuse and neglect. We offer a free consultation to assess your case and determine the best legal action. Our attorneys work on a contingency fee agreement, meaning you only pay legal fees if we recover compensation for you.

Contact a spinal cord injury attorney from our law offices at (800) 926-9565 or use the contact form to schedule a free consultation and discuss your legal options. We are committed to helping victims of nursing home abuse and neglect and will fight to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Resources:

• Spinal Injuries in Nursing Homes | NCBI
• Preventing Falls in Nursing Homes | NIH