In the U.S, at least 36% of emergency room visits by the elderly can be attributed to nursing home falls. Every year, 1,800 nursing home residents are reported dead because of nursing home falls.
A single nursing home, especially one with a 100% occupancy rate can report about 100 to 200 falls every year. Of course, these are the only reported falls and many go unreported.
The elderly, especially those about 65 years old are 4 times more likely to die from falls when living in nursing homes than those living at home or with their loved ones.
At least 75% of nursing home residents report injuries from falls every year. The rate is actually double compared to the senior citizens who don’t live in nursing homes. More than a third of injuries resulting from falls happen to nursing home residents who can’t walk.
About 2-6% of nursing home falls lead to fractures. However, about 10 to 20% of these falls result in serious injuries. In most cases, these injuries will lead to loss of function as well as disability.
On the other hand, nursing home residents who are afraid of falling might avoid walking altogether, isolate themselves, and suffer from depression.
The CDC reports that at least 16 to 27% of nursing home falls are caused by environmental hazards.
Note that nursing home residents are older and in worse health compared to the elderly living in their own homes or with relatives. That’s why nursing home residents are prone to fall injuries and accidents.
If a nursing home is run properly, it’s pretty easy to avoid these accidents.

