Fall Prevention

What is fall prevention?

Fall Prevention is simply the process of taking steps to prevent falls from occurring.

Why is fall prevention important?

Falls are the leading cause of injury in people aged 65 and older in the United States. The risk of falling increases with age. Most common injuries from a fall include head injuries and wrist, spine, and hip fractures. Falls can also cause injuries that are not visible to others. For example, some people who experience a fall become fearful and worried that they will fall again.

What puts a person at risk for falls?

Being hospitalized increases a person’s risk for falls. This is because hospitalized persons are often weak from their illness. They may also be dizzy, light-headed or unsteady from their illness, medications or treatments. Getting out of bed to go to the bathroom without help also puts patients at risk for falls. Even patients who do not need help at home can fall in the hospital when getting up without assistance.

What can a patient do to prevent falls while they are in the hospital?

The most important thing a patient can do to prevent falls while they are in the hospital is to ask for help when getting up out of bed or to use the bathroom.

How can I work with the nurses and other caregivers to prevent my loved one from falling while in the hospital?

Stay with the patient, especially if they are confused or unable to call for assistance to get out of bed. The presence of a loved one can be comforting and reassuring to the patient. Bring in familiar objects from home to make the patient feel more comfortable in the unfamiliar hospital environment. Bring in activities that the patient enjoys at home that could prevent restlessness such as simple games, puzzles, or reading materials. If the patient normally wears glasses or a hearing aid, uses a cane, a walker, or other devises at home, make sure these are available in the hospital.

Tips to avoid falls

Talk About Your Risk for Falling:

  1. Ask your nurse what puts you at risk for falls.
  2. Work with your nurse on a plan to keep you safe from falls.
  3. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about side effects of your medications that could make you dizzy or unsteady on your feet.

To be safest, work with your doctors and nurses to prevent falls.

Ask for Help:

  1. Ask for help to get out of bed and whenever you are going to walk, especially if you are not feeling well. Use your call button in the hospital.
  2. Ask for help when toileting.
  3. Ask for a cane, walker, or other device to make walking safer.
  4. Ask a family member or friend to sit with you.
  5. Ask a family member or friend to bring in your glasses or hearing aid so that you can better participate in your care.

Take Steps to Avoid Falling:

  1. Avoid quick, sudden movements.
  2. Change position slowly and carefully
  3. Sit on the side of your bed before standing
  4. Stand up slowly and fully. Get your balance before you begin to walk.
  5. Wear comfortable, rubber-soled, low-heeled slippers or shoes that fit properly
  6. Check for a clear and safe path before you walk. Avoid walking on wet or cluttered floors.
  7. If you feel unsteady or unbalanced on your feet, call for help and sit down again.
  8. Use your call button to ask for help from your hospital bed.

Together with your doctors and nurses you can prevent falls.

References:

Partners Healthcare.Facts about fall prevention in hospitals.

Partners Healthcare.Tips to avoid falls while in the hospital