Serious falls resulting in hospitalization among Medicare-enrolled nursing home residents, July 2022–June 2023

Serious falls resulting in hospitalization among Medicare-enrolled nursing home residents, July 2022–June 2023
HHS Office of the Inspector General; Report number: OEI-05-24-0018; 9/18/25
This OIG data snapshot accompanies the report, Nursing Homes Failed To Report 43 Percent of Falls With Major Injury and Hospitalization Among Their Medicare-Enrolled Residents, OEI-05-24-00180. The snapshot found that between July 1, 2022, and June 30, 2023, more than 42,000 Medicare-enrolled nursing home residents experienced serious falls resulting in major injury and hospitalization, and 1,911 died during their hospital stays. The data indicated that most residents had known fall risk factors prior to their injuries, and falls were more common among female, older, and short-stay residents. Nursing homes with lower nurse staffing levels and lower quality ratings had higher fall rates. These preventable events reduced residents’ quality of life and cost Medicare and enrollees over $800 million, underscoring the need for stronger fall prevention and quality improvement efforts in nursing homes.