Hip and Other Bone Fractures in Nursing Homes

Broken hips and hip fractures are injuries that substantially occur to the elderly. This is largely explained by the fact that bones grow weaker and more fragile as people age. In addition, hip fractures are most often the result of falls. Those with balance problems, cognitive deficits and deteriorating eyesight are especially prone to falls.

In nursing homes, hip, arm and other bone fractures may be caused by carelessness or neglect on the part of staff members who are not properly attentive to residents. Specific causes include:

• Failure to conduct and implement a fall-risk assessment as required by federal and state laws
• Failure to properly monitor and assist at-risk residents as they move about
• Rough handling of residents by staff members
• Intentional physical abuse of residents by staff
• Wandering off. Some residents require close monitoring to prevent them from wandering off and injuring themselves
• Poor nutrition can lead to greater risk of broken and fractured bones

The Effects of Broken Bones

Broken hips, in particular, are very serious injuries for the elderly. They nearly always require surgery and may result in the need for a hip replacement. In addition, hip and leg fractures patients are at increased risk of developing bed sores or pressure ulcers.

Residents of nursing homes who suffer broken hips or hip fractures are highly likely to remain in a care facility for an extended time, often for the remainder of their lives.

Other broken and fractured bone injuries present far greater medical and quality of life threats to older people than to other age groups.

When these injuries are the result of abuse or neglect by nursing home staff, the facility operators can be held responsible for damages.

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