Fall Prevention and Liability in Skilled Nursing Facilities

Falls are the leading cause of injuries among nursing home residents. More than 25% of Americans over 65 years old sustain a fall annually, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As the number of older adults increases, the incidence of falls with both nonfatal and fatal injuries is also likely to increase. Apart from the toll on individuals’ health and quality of life, the financial impact is staggering. According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), by 2030 the financial costs related to falls may exceed $101 billion (“Get the Facts on Falls Prevention,” March 13, 2023, https://bit.ly/3U8TuKb).