Statistics on the Increased Risk of Death Following a Broken Hip

A long-term CHANCES project analysis found increased all-cause mortality after hip fracture, with a fully adjusted hazard ratio of 2.12.

The first months are especially dangerous. A meta-analysis of excess mortality after hip fracture found a relative hazard of all-cause mortality in the first three months of 5.75 in women and 7.95 in men. A different systematic epidemiological review found first-year excess mortality ranging from 8.4% to 36%. Another population-based mortality study reported 27.3% one-year postoperative mortality and a threefold mortality rate compared with the general population. 

In nursing homes, a study of hip fracture incidence in U.S. nursing homes is summarized as showing that one in three residents dies within 180 days of a hip fracture. That is why a broken hip must be treated as a serious injury.

What Are the Risk Factors for Hip Fractures in Elderly Adults?

Risk factors for hip injury often overlap in long-term care. Common factors for hip fractures include advanced age, osteoporosis, weaker muscles, poor vision, neurological disorders, reduced physical activity, and a high risk of falls. In elderly people, poor vision and certain medical conditions can impair balance, and unlike younger adults, most nursing home cases do not stem from car accidents.

Low Bone Density and High Bone Fragility

Bone density declines with age, and osteoporosis weakens bone tissue. That raises bone fragility, so a fall onto the hip area can cause femoral neck fractures, femoral head fractures, or other severe fractures. The UCLA explanation of why hip fractures in the elderly often lead to bad outcomes notes that progressive loss of bone mass and density leaves bones thin and brittle. To improve low bone mass and maintain bone density, older adults often need vitamin D supplementation, adequate nutrition, and treatment aimed at weakened bones before another fall occurs.

Dementia

Dementia is a significant risk factor because residents may forget safety limits, attempt unsafe transfers, or fail to report severe pain after a fall. The StatPearls hip fracture overview lists prior falls, gait problems, walking aids, vertigo, Parkinson’s disease, and other medical conditions among the main risk factors for hip fracture in the elderly.

Lung and Heart Disease

Heart disease, lung disease, and other underlying medical conditions leave less reserve for surgery, blood loss, infection, and immobility. A study on the Mortality Following Hip Fracture in Older Adults With and Without Coronary Heart Disease reports very high short-term and long-term mortality in older adults with coronary heart disease who sustain a hip fracture.

Nursing Home Risks

Nursing home residents often suffer from frailty, lower muscle mass, more pre-existing health conditions, poorer baseline mobility, and an increased risk of delayed response after a fall. A hip fracture, compared with many other fractures, is more likely to cause decreased mobility, immobility-related decline, and poor outcomes.

How Do Hip Fractures Lead to Death?

Hip fractures lead to death through overlapping medical problems, including post-surgical complications after repair. The AAOS clinical practice guideline for management of hip fractures in older adults states that hip fracture surgery within 24 to 48 hours of admission may be associated with better outcomes and that venous thromboembolism prophylaxis should be used in hip fracture patients because they are at high risk for deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.

Immobility

Immobility is one of the clearest reasons elderly patients die after a hip fracture. Severe pain after a fall and post-surgery pain keep many in bed. Muscle mass drops, lung function drops, and pressure sores form. When patients with a hip fracture undergo surgery, they still need movement. Delay can mean severe complications and even death. Some fractures require complete or partial hip replacement rather than fixation alone.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia often follows bed rest, shallow breathing, sedation, and weakness. A systematic review and meta-analysis of hospital-acquired pneumonia in hip fracture patients identified older age, COPD, time from injury to operation, history of stroke, and number of comorbidities among recurring risk factors.

Blood Clots

Blood clots can form in the legs when movement decreases. This is one of the main reasons a hip fracture dramatically increases the risk of death, especially in elderly patients with poor mobility or delayed transfer.

Pulmonary Embolism

A clot that travels to the lungs can cause sudden collapse. This is one of the most feared severe complications following a hip fracture.

Infections

Infections after a broken hip may involve the lungs, urinary tract, pressure sores, or the surgical site. Poor surgical wound care can turn a treatable problem into sepsis and death.

Heart Failure

A hip fracture places sudden stress on the cardiovascular system. Blood loss, inflammation, dehydration, and infection can worsen cardiac failure or trigger other cardiac decline.

Other Medical Decline

Some residents do not die right away, but hip fracture results still include deconditioning, loss of independence, delirium, pressure sores, depression, and inability to return to prior functioning. A study on physical activity and social isolation in older adults found that greater social isolation was associated with depressive symptoms and cardiac decline. Families should know that elderly patients die from this kind of slow decline, too, rather than from one sudden event.

When Does a Hip Fracture Indicate Nursing Home Neglect?

A hip fracture may point to neglect when the records fail the following criteria:

• Preventable falls: The resident had a known risk factor, yet the facility failed to implement preventive care.
• Lack of supervision: Staff left a resident alone despite a clear risk of falls.
• Unsafe transfers: Staff ignored lift procedures or failed to provide assistance.
• Ignored fall risk: The care plan called for alarms, checks, or transfer assistance, but these steps were not followed.
• Delayed ER transfer: Staff waited too long, even though the resident had sharp pain or could not bear weight.
• Failure to diagnose fractures promptly: Bone fragments or severe fractures may be missed when staff treat the injury as a bruise.
• Poor monitoring after the injury: The facility failed to watch for blood clots, pneumonia, infection, delirium, or worsening heart function.

What Should Families Do After a Nursing Home Resident Suffers a Hip Fracture?

After a fracture, families should move quickly and keep the focus on facts:

1. Get immediate medical evaluation. Ask whether imaging, medical management, surgical intervention, or hip fracture surgery is needed.
2. Request records and incident reports. Collect nursing notes, hospital records, and transfer records.
3. Photograph injuries and conditions. Document bruising, the room, the floor, and anything relevant to the hip area.
4. Identify witnesses and staff on duty. Knowing names and shift times can become important.
5. Ask about fall precautions and care plan. Find out what preventive measures were in place before the fall.
6. Speak with a nursing home hip fracture lawyer. Contact a lawyer if the injury may have been preventable.

How a Lawyer Can Help

A nursing home broken bone lawyer can help by:

• Reviewing records to build the timeline
• Checking fall-risk documentation and other factors for hip fractures
• Investigating staffing and supervision
• Determining whether the fall was preventable
• Evaluating whether delayed treatment or poor surgical wound care worsened patient outcomes
• Pursuing a claim if neglect contributed to death, emotional distress, or major medical expenses

Secure Expert Legal Counsel

Our nursing home abuse and neglect lawyer team can review your case and tell your family whether neglect likely contributed to the decline and death. Our law firm has recovered compensation for numerous clients in serious nursing home injury cases, including:

• Helen’s case resolved for $1,700,000 after a nursing home fall caused a subdural hematoma and hip fracture.
• Denise’s claim was resolved for $1,095,000 after staff failed to get her out of bed at prescribed intervals following hip surgery, leading to severe pressure sores and multiple procedures.
• Marjorie’s case resolved for $600,000 after staff ignored a two-person assist during a Hoyer lift transfer. She fell, fractured her hip and femur, underwent surgery, and died four weeks later.

We offer a free consultation, and you pay no fee unless we recover compensation for you. Contact us to discuss your legal options.

FAQs

At what age is a hip fracture life-threatening?

There is no single age cutoff, but older age sharply increases the risk of death. The danger rises when elderly patients also have osteoporosis, low body mass index, cardiovascular disease, neurological disorders, or other chronic conditions. A broken femur is dangerous because hip fractures can lead to immobility, infection, clots, and cardiac decline.

How long does it take to recover from a broken hip?

Recovery often takes months. Some patients regain walking ability with physical therapy, pain management, and close medical management, but many never restore mobility or reach full recovery. That UCLA overview notes that physical therapy starts almost immediately and helps prevent infection, pneumonia, and clots, while occupational therapy also supports recovery.

How can nursing home patient outcomes be improved following a hip fracture?

Better patient outcomes after a hip fracture depend on prompt diagnosis, timely surgery, prevention of clots, nutrition, and rehabilitation. The HIPFIT randomized trial found that targeted multidisciplinary treatment reduced mortality, nursing home admissions, and ADL dependency. The Mini Nutritional Assessment study found that nutritional status predicted gait status and mortality at six months. The frailty exercise review explains that physical activity, resistance training, and flexibility training can improve strength and reduce frailty, while the strength training and balance study found that lower-limb strengthening improved balance. Balance exercises that strengthen bones can help reduce the risk of a future fracture.

What damages can be recovered for nursing home hip fractures with fatal outcomes?

The compensation awarded in lawsuits against nursing homes may include medical expenses, hospitalization costs, pain and suffering, funeral expenses, and wrongful death damages where state law allows. A nursing home wrongful death attorney can review whether the records support a claim.

Summary:

How long it takes to die from sepsis depends on the person’s current health and how quickly they receive treatment. Sepsis can become fatal very quickly as vital organs are compromised. If treatment is delayed, septic shock can cause death in as little as 12 hours. While some sepsis cases progress more slowly, the condition can worsen fast enough that any suspected case should be treated as a medical emergency. 

When nursing home facilities fail to protect residents from sepsis, our legal team can review the medical records, identify where care broke down, and help families seek accountability. Contact us for a free consultation.

What Is Sepsis?

Sepsis is a life-threatening immune reaction where the body begins attacking healthy tissue while trying to fight an infection. The widespread inflammation can result in a wide range of symptoms, including multiple organ failure.

What Causes Sepsis?

Sepsis is caused by the body’s overreaction to an infection like MRSA, a gastrointestinal infection, or a urinary tract infection. The infection causes a chain reaction of inflammation throughout the body as the immune system begins attacking healthy tissue.

What Are the Symptoms of Sepsis?

Early signs of sepsis in elderly individuals include:

• Confusion
• Delirium
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Abdominal pain
• Low blood pressure
• Severe muscle pain
• Fast heart rate
• Warm or clammy skin
• Dizziness
• Fever
• Shaking or chills
• Reduced urine output or incontinence
• Loss of consciousness
• Sepsis rash

According to Sepsis Alliance, people 65 and above are 13 times more likely to be hospitalized for sepsis than younger individuals. 

Seniors who recover from sepsis are also at higher risk of repeated infections, organ damage, PTSD, chronic pain, and fatigue. 

Diagnosis can be more challenging in older adults, as they may have chronic diseases or medication regimens that mask sepsis symptoms. Reduced mobility can also result in circulatory issues that mimic sepsis. 

Sepsis Death Statistics 

• Around 18 million to 30 million people worldwide are diagnosed with sepsis annually.
• 6 million people die from sepsis each year worldwide. 
• Severe sepsis claims more lives each year than prostate cancer, breast cancer, and HIV/AIDS combined.  
• In the United States, someone is diagnosed with sepsis every 20 seconds. 
• Sepsis is the leading cause of death in US hospitals, present in 30% to 50% of all hospital deaths. 
• There are 270,000 sepsis deaths in the United States annually. 
• Sepsis mortality rates range from 25% to 30%.
• Adults 65 and older are five times more likely to experience a severe stage of sepsis.
• Nursing home residents are seven times more likely to get severe sepsis, have greater ICU admission rates (40% vs. 21%), longer hospital stays (7 days vs. 5), and a significantly higher mortality rate (37% vs. 15%).
• 25,000 nursing home residents die from sepsis every year.
• 80% of sepsis deaths could be prevented through early diagnosis and intervention.

The Stages of Sepsis

There are three stages of sepsis, which progressively worsen if not provided with immediate treatment. The symptoms include the following. 

Stage 1: Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS)

This is the early warning system that indicates a widespread immune reaction. Symptoms of mild sepsis include: 

• Fever or below-normal temperature  
• High heart rate 
• Increased breathing rate 
• Abnormal white blood cell count  

This stage of sepsis can often be treated with antibiotics. Most patients with an early diagnosis will fully recover if treated promptly. 

Stage 2: Severe Sepsis  

Severe sepsis occurs when one or more organ systems start failing because the body’s inflammatory response is no longer under control. Common signs include: 

• Reduced urine output 
• Mental status changes (confusion, disorientation) 
• Abnormally low blood pressure (BP) 
• Difficulty breathing 
• Abnormal heart function 

The SSC Sepsis 6 bundle is a set of medical guidelines healthcare providers use to manage sepsis, including monitoring urine output and providing vasopressors.

Stage 3: Septic Shock and Drop in Blood Pressure

Septic shock is the most severe and critical stage of sepsis. Despite medical treatment, patients in this stage have critically low BP and compromised circulation that does not respond to fluid resuscitation. Look for: 

• Persistently low BP(systolic pressure ≤90 mm Hg or mean arterial pressure ≤65 mm Hg)
• High lactate levels (indicating poor tissue perfusion)  
• Signs of organ failure (kidney issues, liver disease)  

Patients in septic shock have an increased risk of death, with a mortality rate of 30-50%. This sepsis diagnosis is a medical emergency and requires aggressive treatment to improve the chances of survival. 

If you have questions about the stages or what happens after and whether you have a possible civil claim, contact Nursing Home Law Center today.

Bacteremia vs Sepsis

Bacteremia, or blood poisoning, means bacteria are present and active in the bloodstream. It poses the highest risk of progressing quickly to severe sepsis or septic shock. Early detection and immediate intervention are vital because any delay in treatment or medical intervention (even by just a few hours) significantly raises the risk of a fatal outcome. 

What Is the Difference Between Sepsis and Septic Shock?

Septic shock is the most advanced stage of sepsis, with a dangerously low drop in blood pressure despite fluid resuscitation. Not all cases of sepsis advance to septic shock, especially with prompt medical intervention. 

Is Sepsis Contagious?

No, sepsis is not contagious, as it is an immune response. However, as it is typically caused by infections, other nursing home residents should be assessed for signs of sepsis.

How Is Sepsis Diagnosed?

Sepsis is diagnosed using blood, urine, and imaging tests to determine the extent of damage. 

Is Sepsis Curable?

Yes, sepsis is curable with early intervention. However, each hour that treatment and medical intervention are delayed raises the risk of death by 8%. It is important for healthcare providers to identify the early symptoms and act quickly. 

How Is Sepsis Treated?

Sepsis is treated with the following interventions:

• Antibiotic therapy to manage bacterial infection
• IV fluids to maintain circulation and improve blood pressure
• Vasopressors to restore blood pressure
• Surgery to remove damaged tissue
• Dialysis for kidney failure
• Mechanical ventilation for lung failure

Post Sepsis Syndrome

Post-sepsis syndrome (PSS) can include a range of long-term medical, cognitive, and emotional challenges, such as:

• Muscle weakness
• Joint problems
• Reduced mobility
• Loss of strength and independence
• Weight loss
• Mental health issues such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression
• Memory issues
• Trouble processing new information
• Difficulty focusing

Around 75% of people who survive sepsis develop new health issues. Only half fully recover within two years. 

Survivors often need ongoing care, whether at home or in specialized care facilities. Treatments for PSS include rehabilitation, physical therapy, and nutritional support. They may also require therapy and counseling to manage the mental health challenges posed by PSS. 

Nursing Home Residents With Higher Risk Factors for Developing Sepsis 

Residents with certain health conditions may potentially develop sepsis, including:

• Advanced Age: Older adults have a slower immune response, making them more susceptible to complications or severe infections that can lead to sepsis.
• Diabetes: This chronic illness can damage the immune system, making it more difficult to fight infections. 
• Heart Disease: Impaired blood flow or leaky blood vessels mean the body cannot fight infections efficiently, while long-term inflammation increases the risk of sepsis.
• Lung Disease: Chronic respiratory diseases like COPD or lung cancer lead to constant low-grade inflammation that may progress to sepsis after an infection.
• Cancer: Chemotherapy destroys white blood cells, weakening the immune response to infections and resulting in widespread inflammation.
• Kidney Disease: Dialysis can introduce pathogens into the bloodstream and trigger sepsis. Impaired kidneys also cannot filter blood efficiently, which can introduce bacteria to the bloodstream. 
• Recent Hospitalizations: Inadequate sterilization procedures in an intensive care unit or surgical ward can result in bacterial or viral infections that cause sepsis. This can be from surgical instruments, catheters, breathing tubes, or IVs. 
• Immune Disorders: A compromised immune system can cause the body to attack its own tissues, resulting in sepsis.
• History of Sepsis: Survivors are more likely to suffer from sepsis again, as they already have weakened immune systems.

Residents with a higher risk of developing sepsis are typically those with other health conditions. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), about 90% of adults who develop sepsis have one or more pre-existing health issues. 

Serious Consequences of Sepsis

As sepsis progresses, it can cause significant damage and life-threatening organ dysfunction. Some of the severe consequences of sepsis are:

• Permanent brain damage due to lack of oxygen or blood flow
• Kidney failure that may require long-term dialysis or chronic kidney disease
• Lung damage, often due to mechanical ventilation during treatment
• Heart valve damage, which can impair the heart’s function

Sepsis can also cause abnormal blood clotting, leading to burst blood vessels or small clots that damage tissues and organs. These complications can lead to long-term health problems and reduce the patient’s quality of life.

In some cases, patients must have limbs amputated due to widespread tissue death, which can introduce further complications if the wound site becomes infected. 

What Is the Survival Rate of Sepsis?

The survival rate of sepsis depends on its stage. For severe sepsis, the survival rate is 60%, while for septic shock, it is only 50%. However, in-hospital survival rates for sepsis are now approaching 80%. 

Survivors of sepsis often have ongoing health issues and are at higher risk of future infections and complications. 

What Is the Life Expectancy After Sepsis?

The one-year mortality rate for sepsis is between 7% to 43%, and the five-year mortality rate can be as high as 82%. Approximately 30% of sepsis survivors return to the hospital within the first 30 days after discharge, and 50% are readmitted in the first year. 

Preventing Sepsis

The Sepsis Alliance reports that as many as 80% of sepsis-related deaths could be prevented through early treatment. Prevention includes identifying signs of sepsis, which can sometimes mimic other conditions, and providing supportive care, such as IVs and preventive antibiotics. Families should become familiar with the warning signs of sepsis and seek immediate care. 

Legal Remedies for Nursing Home Neglect Leading to Sepsis 

If a loved one gets sepsis while in a nursing home, and you believe it was due to nursing home neglect, you may have a legal case. Nursing homes can be held liable for the following:

• Inadequate staffing, which leads to neglect of residents’ needs
• Failure to follow infection control protocols resulting in preventable infections
• Failure to provide timely medical care, such as not treating bedsores or other conditions that can lead to sepsis deaths

In December 2025, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) repealed an April 2024 requirement for minimum staffing in nursing homes and long-term care facilities. The requirement mandated 3.48 hours per resident day of nurse staffing, including 24/7 RN availability. Current rules require an on-site RN for at least eight hours and minimum staffing standards according to a mandatory facility assessment.

While these new mandates are meant to provide flexibility and customized care, they may also result in inadequate staffing and neglect. If low staffing riots resulted in serious injury or death for your loved one, a nursing home sepsis lawyer from our team can help you get justice.

What Damages Can I Recover In a Nursing Home Negligence Claim?

Damages that can be recovered for a nursing home negligence claim include:

• Medical expenses
• Hospitalization and surgery
• Physical rehabilitation
• Funeral and burial costs for wrongful death
• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of companionship for wrongful death

Relevant Federal Laws 

Various federal laws protect the rights and well-being of nursing home residents: 

• Nursing Home Reform Act: This act establishes certain standards of care and residents’ rights that nursing facilities must follow. 
• Older Americans Act: The Older Americans Act provides grants to states and social services, heavily focusing on the welfare of older adults. 
• Elder Justice Act: Passed in 2010, the Elder Justice Act is the first comprehensive federal law aimed at combating abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older adults by coordinating federal responses, supporting research, enhancing Adult Protective Services, and increasing protections for long-term care facility residents.

Book a Free Consultation

Lawsuits related to nursing home neglect often involve serious injuries or death. For example, Nursing Home Law Center recently secured a $2,150,000 settlement in a nursing home abuse case involving facility-acquired bed sores and sepsis. If you suspect negligence or abuse in a nursing home and wish to file a claim, contact Nursing Home Law Center today. Contact us if you think a nursing home’s negligence caused sepsis.

In this article, we’ll discuss the leading causes of death in nursing homes, what to look out for if you believe your loved one’s death was preventable, and what legal options you have. You are not alone, and Nursing Home Law Center LLC is here to help.  

Statistics on Nursing Home Deaths

According to the Journal of the American Medical Directors Association, it’s estimated that about 24 percent of deaths in the United States are within nursing homes. They suggest the number will continue to grow. [1]

Residents in nursing homes are particularly vulnerable because of their increased age and limited mobility. The National Center for Biotechnology Information recently found that the mortality risk was higher in nursing homes. In comparison, there was a lower risk of hospitalization while in the nursing facilities. [2]

While nursing homes are intended to help provide top-notch medical care to their residents, recent studies suggest they may be doing the opposite. 

Common Causes of Deaths in Nursing Homes

So, what is the leading cause of death in nursing homes? Read on to learn more about pneumonia and how it is taking the lives of many nursing home residents prematurely. 

Pneumonia is a Leading Cause of Death

Pneumonia is a lung infection that makes breathing difficult for individuals. This is because the air sacs within their lungs have been filled with fluid or pus. Pneumonia can be prevented, but once contracted, it can be fatal for nursing home residents. 

Prevalence of Pneumonia in Nursing Homes

According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, pneumonia impacts about 1-2 in every 1,000 nursing home residents. If patients require hospitalization for their pneumonia, they could have a mortality rate from 13% to 41%. [2]

Pneumonia can quickly spread through nursing homes because they are closely contained. Residents can be infected by inhaling germs, touching contaminated surfaces, or using dirty utensils or glasses. 

If a nursing home is not adequately cleaned and sanitized, pneumonia can quickly spread. The American Lung Association shares the contagious period depending on the type of pneumonia a person has. It can range from 48 hours to as long as you’re symptomatic. [3]

Pneumonia can be devastating and deadly for nursing home facilities, and their recovery rate can depend on various risk factors.  

Risk Factors for Pneumonia

Elderly patients have more risk factors that can increase their risk of catching pneumonia.

• Weakened Immune System: Many nursing home residents have weakened immune systems, including health issues that make them more vulnerable. 
• Difficulty Swallowing: A substance or germ can get stuck in a patient’s throat, causing a bacterial infection to develop, leading to pneumonia. 
• Immobility: Patients with limited mobility can have an increased risk of fluid building up in their lungs. 
• Weakened Chest Muscles: They may be unable to cough to clear their throats and lungs, causing the fluid to build up in their lungs. 

Combined with unsanitary living conditions, pneumonia is one of the leading causes of death in nursing homes. 

Symptoms and Complications

If you believe you or your loved one is suffering from pneumonia, keep an eye out for the following symptoms. 

• Difficulty Breathing: Labored breath, shortness of breath, rapid shallow breathing, wheezing, and bubbling sounds while breathing can all indicate pneumonia.
• Chest Pain: Breathing and coughing can be excruciating for those with pneumonia.
• High Pulse: Elderly patients may have a high pulse (over 120 bpm) if they fight off an infection.
• Body Temperature: Older people often either have a high fever or a low body temperature when contracting pneumonia.  
• Change in Behavior: They may feel confused or lose consciousness. 

Patients contracting pneumonia may also face complications impacting their quality of life. They include:

• Respiratory Failure: Some patients may even require a ventilator and other life-saving interventions to breathe. 
• Sepsis: The infection can spread to the blood and can be caused by pneumonia. 
• Organ Failure: Pneumonia can lead to heart failure, kidney failure, inflammation of the heart, and other conditions.

Pneumonia can be deadly for nursing home residents. If you suspect you or a loved one have contracted it, seek immediate medical care. 

Other Significant Causes of Death in Nursing Homes

Pneumonia may be the leading cause of death in nursing homes, but that is not the only one. Other significant causes of nursing home deaths include the following conditions. 

Heart Disease

Heart disease is prevalent among elderly nursing home residents. The risk of heart disease increases with age. The National Institute on Aging shares that hearts cannot beat as fast as they once did. Additionally, heart chambers may increase inside, and the blood flow valves can become stiffer and thicker. [4]

Your heart changes as you age, and it can lead to higher mortality rates in nursing homes. You can decrease your risk of heart disease by eating a healthy diet, staying active, not smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight. 

Stroke

Stokes are a common cause of nursing home deaths, especially for immobile patients. Blood clots, high blood pressure, and head trauma can cause them. Stroke survivors may develop limited mobility, difficulty speaking or thinking, and other health life-long health conditions caused by the lack of blood flow and oxygen to the brain.

They carry some of the same risk factors as heart disease, and you can reduce your risk of stroke by living a healthy lifestyle. Mainly, you should avoid smoking, alcohol, and poor diet choices to reduce the risk of stroke.

Cancer

Cancer is a common cause of nursing home deaths. The risk of developing cancer increases as patients get older. While certain lifestyle choices can increase the risk of developing cancer (smoking, drinking, etc.), there are also genetic and environmental components. 

Many times, the cancer treatment can be aggressive and compromise a patient’s immune system. They may develop a secondary infection that can cause their death. 

Infections

The elderly are at high risk of developing life-threatening infections. Their often impaired immune systems make it easier for them to contract an infection. 

Common infections include:

• Urinary Tract Infections: UTIs can impact the kidney, bladder, and urethra.
• Sepsis: Untreated illnesses can lead to blood infections that can be fatal.

• Staph Infections: Skin infections often resistant to antibiotics can cause serious health concerns. 
• Influenza: Respiratory infection that is very contagious and can quickly spread throughout the air and on surfaces. 
• Gastrointestinal Infections: Norovirus and other illnesses that cause diarrhea can lead to dehydration.

If left untreated, many of these infections can lead to preventable nursing home deaths. 

Falls and Injuries

Injuries can be fatal among the elderly. The CDC reports it is the leading cause of death for people over the age of 65. Unfortunately, falling is common among the elderly because they often have limited or restricted mobility. They may have balance issues or vision problems that can add to the risk. [5]

Simple hazards like items on the floor or an uneven step can cause severe injury or death in nursing homes if patients are not careful. These unsafe living conditions are entirely preventable, and the nursing home could be found negligent and liable for the death. 

Preventable Deaths in Nursing Homes

While some causes of death in nursing homes are natural, there are also many preventable deaths in nursing homes. 

Negligence and Abuse

If a patient is not adequately cared for, the neglect they face in the assisted living facility may cause their death. They could develop bedsores that lead to infection or other severe injuries because of their unsafe living conditions.

Additionally, nursing home abuse can also take place. The staff or other patients may physically, mentally, or emotionally abuse a nursing home resident. These behaviors can lead to nursing home deaths that were preventable. 

Medication Errors

Patients can receive the wrong medicine, including prescriptions that are not theirs, incorrect dosages, or not receive their medicine at all. These medication errors can cause severe injuries and health complications. 

The patient may face unintended side effects, like dizziness, heart palpitations, loss of consciousness, and, in some cases, death because of the nursing home’s mistake. 

Inadequate Staffing and Training

Nursing homes can often be understaffed and underfunded. They may not properly train their staff, so they don’t know how to interact with their patients properly. 

This may lead to neglect because nursing home staff are responsible for too many patients. It can also lead to nursing home staff not knowing how to handle medically complex patients, which can lead to serious medical complications. Together, these factors can impact the overall health and well-being of facility nursing home residents. 

Infection Control

Nursing homes may not take the proper precautions to control or prevent infections in nursing homes. Employees may not wear or adequately dispose of personal protective equipment like masks and gloves. They may not sanitize medical equipment, bedding, eating utensils, and other commonly used items.

Because of the facility’s negligence, infection can spread in nursing homes and lead to deadly conditions. 

Fall Prevention

Nursing homes can take steps to reduce the risks of falls and injuries among residents, including ensuring carpeting is stabled down, there are no uneven surfaces, and items are removed from the ground.

They should also ensure patients with limited mobility do not get up and move around without assistance. Nursing homes make living conditions safer for their residents by taking these steps. 

The Role of Nursing Home Law Firms

When nursing homes fail to provide proper care and maintain positive living conditions for their residents, they can be held accountable. Nursing Home Law Center can help families get justice for their loved ones. 

Investigating and Holding Nursing Homes Accountable

Law firms can help families investigate potential negligence or nursing home abuse cases. They can request medical records, video footage, and other information to help build a case against the facility and hold nursing homes accountable for preventable deaths. 

Seeking Justice for Families of Nursing Home Residents

It is not enough to hold nursing homes accountable for their role in preventable deaths. Law firms can also help your family seek justice and compensation for the wrongful death of your loved one. 

This can include compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages that you faced due to their negligence. It can’t bring your family member back, but it can help you get justice for their treatment. 

Advocating for Improved Care

Law firms also play a big role in advocating for better care standards and practices in nursing homes. They work hard to ensure that no other family has to deal with the same loss that you did. Many nursing homes have to adjust their practices after they are held liable, which helps prevent future tragedies and nursing home deaths. 

Secure Expert Legal Representation 

Nursing Home Law Center deeply understands the responsibility of long-term care facilities to care for older people; however, many nursing homes fall short. You have legal options if your loved one faces severe injuries, hospitalization, or death while within their care. 

Contact us today at (800) 926-7565 or by filling out the form on our website for a free consultation to discuss your concerns. Our nursing home neglect and abuse attorneys can help you navigate your legal options and get the justice you deserve. 

References: [1] Journal of the American Medical Directors Association, [2] National Center for Biotechnology Information, [3] American Lung Association, [4] National Institute on Aging, [5] CDC