WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2019
Most falls are caused by a combination of multiple risk factors. The more risk factors a person has, the greater their chances of falling. Long-term care providers can lower a resident’s risk by reducing or minimizing those risk factors. That’s why it’s important first to focus on risk factors that can be modified. Care providers should provide a resident with a complete risk assessment for fall as well as assessing medications for side effects that could lead to falls. If a resident has a history of falls, care providers should perform an analysis to find the root cause of the falls. For example, has the resident fallen before due to trying to reach for an item or tripping over improper footwear? Finding the root cause of the falls may help in providing or recommending modifications.
- Reduce environmental clutter in resident’s room
- Keep most-used items within reach
- Move call light so it’s within reach
- Raise toilet seat
- Lower bed height
- Suggest high back chairs
- Proper seating if the resident is in a wheelchair – feet flat on the floor, lowering the back of the seat. Have occupational therapist check for proper placement.
- Suggest proper slip resistant footwear
- Suggest helmets, if applicable
Support for residents