The Nursing Home Reform Act contains a patient bill of rights that protects residents from abuse, neglect, and inadequate care. Unfortunately, far too many nursing homes fail to protect residents from harm that results in damaging and deadly falls. Nursing home falls are generally the result of two factors: environmental and people. Where and how they live, and the people wh care for them, can place the elderly at risk of a preventable fall. Examples of environmental factors include:
Wet floors
Poor lighting
Defective or poorly maintained wheelchairs
Clutter or obstacles in walkways
Torn or worn carpeting or flooring