Unfortunately, yes. The elderly can suffer brain injuries in nursing homes and assisted living facilities in a number of ways, such as:
- Falls
- Neglect and abuse
- Poor patient transfer
- Lack of oxygen
The number one way nursing home residents suffer brain injuries is due to falls. Sadly, approximately 1,800 nursing home patients die annually as a result of falls, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Some of these falls, injuries, and deaths could have been prevented with better supervision. Unfortunately, nursing homes are often understaffed and tend to neglect patients—even failing to respond to a call for help.
Additionally, some nursing homes and staff members have been known to shake patients, strike them or even smother them, causing head trauma to the residents. Sadly, nursing home abuse is a growing problem that continues to increase and affect our elderly living in nursing homes in Georgia and nationwide.
Because many nursing home patients cannot walk or get out of bed and into a wheelchair on their own, they rely on nursing home staff members to transfer them in and out of bed. Although nursing homes should have adequate equipment and the staff should be trained on how to smoothly transfer a patient, many nursing home residents have been dropped or had their heads smacked in the process.
If you suspect your loved one suffered a brain injury in Georgia at a nursing home, you need to contact an experienced Fayette County brain injury lawyer to learn more about your legal options and what you should do. Contact Shane Smith Law at (980) 246-2656.