Falls in Nursing Homes Facts

How big is the problem?

* In 2003, 1.5 million people 65 and older lived in nursing homes.3 If current rates continue, by 2030 this number will rise to about 3 million.4
* About 5% of adults 65 and older live in nursing homes, but nursing home residents account for about 20% of deaths from falls in this age group.
* Each year, a typical nursing home with 100 beds reports 100 to 200 falls. Many falls go unreported.
* As many as 3 out of 4 nursing home residents fall each year.2 That’s twice the rate of falls for older adults living in the community.
* Patients often fall more than once. The average is 2.6 falls per person per year.
* About 35% of fall injuries occur among residents who cannot walk

How serious are these falls?

* About 1,800 people living in nursing homes die each year from falls.
* About 10% to 20% of nursing home falls cause serious injuries; 2% to 6% cause fractures.
* Falls result in disability, functional decline and reduced quality of life. Fear of falling can cause further loss of function, depression, feelings of helplessness, and social isolation.

Falls in Nursing Homes, Facts - NCIPC: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"