Why we need to care about nursing home accidents
With an ageing population where we spend our later years is important and accommodation comes in many forms, some are lucky to live in their own homes, others reside with families, but for many a care home or nursing home is essential.
“With us all living longer the total number of residents in care homes is substantial, with older adults, individuals with disabilities, and those requiring long-term care being the primary demographic, and of course the most vulnerable,” said Pearson Care Home Solicitor, Mike Talbot.
You would hope that a care/nursing home is going to be a home away from home, but sometimes accidents and incidents happen and care can be substandard and sometimes neglectful.
Falls in care homes
Falls are common in older people, but three times more common in care homes, with 40% of hospital admissions related to falls in care and nursing homes. Even a minor fall can have consequences, but failure to prevent falls in care homes is inexcusable as risk assessments should maintain a good duty of care for all residents.
“Nursing and care homes are subject to regulation, rating and inspection by organizations such as the Care Quality Commission (CQC), so it’s a good idea to make sure the home you choose is properly regulated,” Mike Talbot advised.
“Rating is based on criteria such as safety, effectiveness, and leadership, and ranges from "Outstanding" to "Inadequate" to help people make informed decisions about care.”
Compensation after an accident in a care home
Mike has helped secure compensation for claimants and their families, but more importantly, got care homes to address the issues and prevent future care home neglect.
Unexplained injuries or bruises, poor personal hygiene, bed sores and pressure ulcers, malnutrition or dehydration and withdrawn behaviour or potential depression can all be signs of neglect.
“In most cases, care homes are respectful of their residents and treat them with kindness but when care goes wrong it has consequences, with residents suffering serious injuries, long-term health issues or, in the most serious cases we have dealt with the sad death of a loved one in a care home,” he said.
Pearson Solicitors have managed many care home cases including:
- Falls in care homes
- Pressure and bed sores
- Incorrect medication
- Lack of staff training leading to preventable injury
- Handling mistakes and not providing adequate aids
- Failure to change soiled clothes or bed sheets
- Poor personal hygiene and a failure to clean or wash residents
- Dehydration and malnutrition
- Failure to provide wheelchairs or walking frames
Accident and incident reporting in care homes
If you are suffering from neglect in a care home, or you believe a relative is at risk report your concerns to the care home manager, record all events with dates and times, get photographic evidence if possible, take notes, and then get legal advice.
How can we help
For help and advice on care home cases including neglect contact our care home claims solicitors on 0161 785 3500 or email enquiries@pearsonlegal.co.uk
Subscribe to our newsletterPlease note that the information and opinions contained in this article are not intended to be comprehensive, nor to provide legal advice. No responsibility for its accuracy or correctness is assumed by Pearson Solicitors and Financial Advisers Ltd or any of its members or employees. Professional legal advice should be obtained before taking, or refraining from taking, any action as a result of this article.
