Salter Healthcare works to prevent devastating facial injuries that can be unfortunately common in other US nursing homes
In 2016, more than 20,000 nursing home residents in the United States experienced serious injuries to the face from falling and hitting hard surfaces, primarily while getting in or out of bed, suggests a recent study by Dr. Peter Svider at Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit, MI.
Across the United States, 1.4 million Americans currently live in long-term care facilities. The study authors recommend that more programs focused on fall prevention like those available at Salter Healthcare facilities should focus on averting facial injuries that can cause lasting damage and injury.
Facial injuries from falls are one of the most important injuries to avoid, because these dangerous injuries have the potential to seriously affect speech, swallowing, sight, and even breathing in residents.
In the study, 2016 nationwide data from emergency departments indicated that over 100,000 people over the age 60 living in nursing homes needed emergency room care for injuries to the face. Of these 100,000 people, half were over the age of 84, and 65% were women.
The study authors examined the cause and location of each injury and found that 44% of injuries were deep cuts or skin tears, but many patients also experienced other soft-tissue injuries like severe bruises and tearing of skin including ears and eyelids. 13% of injuries included bone fractures, with broken noses and fractured eye sockets being the most common fractures.
57% of injuries were caused by falling and striking hard structures like the floor, countertops, doors, or cabinets. Another 23% of injuries were caused by getting into and out of bed. In elderly residents, falls can be a very dangerous source of significant disability and further complications, so it is important to choose a long-term care facility that emphasizes fall prevention initiatives for the health and safety of its residents.
Salter Healthcare works to prevent falls and lower the risk of injury for our residents with our fall prevention programs, exercise and physical therapy initiatives, and our highly skilled and trained staff who provide high-quality supervision and work to identify potential fall risks, especially during medical assessments and during the transfer to and from beds. Salter Healthcare is gratified to maintain 5-star ratings according to the Center for Medicare Services for quality metrics that consider fall prevention, with Winchester Rehabilitation & Nursing Center having one of the lowest fall rates for any facility in the entire nation for 2016.
If you are looking for a skilled nursing home facility, Salter Healthcare facilities have highly skilled and trained staff to provide the highest quality of care for yourself or a loved one in need of short-term or long-term care and rehabilitation.
To schedule an admissions tour, fill out an admissions form or contact Salter Healthcare at 781-729-2200.
