Falls are among the most pressing safety concerns in nursing homes. Older adults in general are more likely to fall than younger people. They may also have medical issues that result in more severe injuries when they do fall.
Lower bone density and reduced immune system function can both affect the long-term consequences of a fall for an older adult. Families worried about falls may decide that their loved ones belong in nursing homes. At a nursing home, there are professionals to assist with daily tasks so that people don’t have to handle challenging responsibilities alone.
The workers at nursing homes can also regularly evaluate residents for fall risk and implement plans to help keep them safe. One of many strategies that can lower fall risk is screening for hearing loss and helping older adults consistently use hearing aids.
The connection between hearing and falls
Researchers have long known that hearing loss contributes to the risk of serious falls. Some evidence indicates that older adults with a degree of hearing loss have more than twice the risk of falling when compared with those without hearing loss. While medical professionals disagree about the exact mechanism connecting fall risk with hearing loss, there is little question that treatment for hearing loss can potentially help prevent falls that can hospitalize older adults.
Those who wear hearing aids have roughly half the risk of falling compared with those who have hearing loss and do not use the devices. Longer use has an association with improved outcomes. At least four hours of daily use can reduce fall risk by as much as two-thirds.
Workers at nursing homes can provide support to residents by assisting them with daily tasks and recommending appropriate interventions, including hearing aids. In cases where older adults do not receive the support and treatment they require for optimal safety, frustrated family members may have grounds for a nursing home negligence claim.
The failure to screen older adults for fall risk, support them regularly and provide them with hearing aids can all contribute to the possibility of a fall occurring. Holding nursing homes accountable for negligent care standards can help families pay for care costs and may lead to better practices within nursing homes.
