According to an NBC news report, a Madison nursing home is one of several nursing homes across the nation that are phasing out bed and chair fall alarms and other traditional fall prevention devices, such as fall mats and lower beds, in favor of more attentive care by staff members. Advocates of the move anticipate that the phase-out of these devices will occur over the next few years.
Some have experienced dismay at the movement away from these devices, fearing that falls in nursing homes will increase. However, some studies show that alarms are not effective in preventing falls. On the contrary, researchers content, fall alarms may actually increase the incidence of falls, in that they may startle nursing home residents, create uneven floor surfaces, and cause staff members to overly rely on them. An increased focus on personal patient care and less reliance on these devices hopefully will cause nursing home staff members to learn residents’ routines and try to accommodate their needs, before a fall even occurs.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that about 1,800 older Americans die in nursing homes each year as a result of injuries sustained in a fall. This figure does not even include those older Americans who are simply injured each year due to falls.
All too often, nursing home staff members fail to properly monitor residents, which can result in falls causing injuries and even death in some cases. While fall alarms and other devices are well-intentioned, they should not be used as a means to neglect the needs of nursing home residents. At Boller & Vaughan, we focus on protecting the rights of those who have suffered neglectful or abusive actions at the hands of nursing home facilities. We have the skills and knowledge to delve into the facts of your case, consider all available options, and advocate on your behalf by bringing any legal claims that you may have against the nursing home in question, or its staff members. Call your Wisconsin nursing home neglect attorneys at (608) 268-0268 and schedule your free consultation today.
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We live in Friendship, Wisconsin, and Boller & Vaughan came to our doorstep to discuss our mother’s wrongful death claim on a Saturday morning. Not only were we pleased with the large recovery, we were so thankful to have lawyers who were willing to explain to us every twist and turn along the way. It is great to know there is a law firm that will fight for the rights of elderly people all over Wisconsin.
Mr. Boller and Ms. Vaughan were incredible in working on my case and my daughter’s case. I was out of work and in the hospital with a new baby. Mr. Boller and Ms. Vaughan protected our rights and it was a pleasure to work with them. I hope never to be in another motor vehicle accident, however, if I am and I am injured, I will contact Boller & Vaughan immediately.
I was referred to Michelle through a friend. I have never had a better experience. It took a little over a year to get my settlement but the staff there stayed in constant contact and kept me in the loop. Oh, and Michelle actually got me MORE money than we discussed. I will refer anyone to this firm. Words cannot do justice the thanks that I have for Michelle and her staff (Mary especially) thank you guys so much!
After my husband died as a result of a motor vehicle accident, Boller & Vaughan spent countless hours talking with me, meeting with me in person, and making sure that I was okay. The drunk driver who hit us did not have any insurance, and we had to make a claim through our own insurance. Boller & Vaughan was fantastic at explaining the law to me and the handling of our claims.
After my son was injured in a daycare setting, Ms. Vaughan took the time to thoroughly investigate our case and my son’s injuries. Michele was approachable and had answers to our questions. Talking with her helped to relieve many of our anxieties.
