Other Wisconsin facilities, like St. Mary's Care Center, are gradually phasing out the alarms but still use them for some residents. "We're putting alarms on residents so we can forget about them," said Jenna Heim, director of nursing at Oakwood Village Prairie Ridge. Some staff and family members have been hesitant to let go of the alarms, worrying the change will lead to an increase in falls. Without alarms, nurses have to better learn residents' routines and accommodate their needs before they try to stand up and do it themselves. About 1,800 older adults living in nursing homes die each year from fall-related injuries, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Source: ABC News July 02, 2016 15:56 UTC