Safety measures to prevent falls

 

Factors increasing the risk of falls

·      A history of falls

·      Weakness

·      Slow reaction time

·      Poor vision

·      Confusion

·      Disorientation

·      Decreased mobility

·      Foot problems

·      Shoes that fit poorly

·      Elimination needs

·      Urinary incontinence

·      Dizziness and lightheadedness

·      Dizziness on standing

·      Joint pain and stiffness

·      Muscle weakness

·      Low blood pressure

·      Balance problems

·      Drug side effects:

o   Low blood pressure when standing or sitting

o   Drowsiness

o   Fainting

o   Dizziness

o   Poor coordination

o   Unsteadiness

o   Frequent urination

o   Confusion and disorientation

·      Vision problems

·      Overuse of alcohol

·      Depression

·      Strange setting

·      Poor judgment

·      Memory problems

·      Care equipment (IV poles, drainage tubes and bags, and others)

·      Improper use of wheelchairs, walkers, canes, and crutches

Safety measures to prevent falls     

BASIC NEEDS

·      Fluid needs are met.

·      Glasses and hearing aids are worn as needed. Reading glasses are not worn when up and about.

·      Help is given with elimination needs. It is given at regular times and whenever requested. Assist the person to the bathroom. Or provide the bedpan, urinal, or commode.

·      The bedpan, urinal, or commode is kept within easy reach if the person can use the device without help.

·      A warm drink, soft lights, or a back massage is used to calm the person who is agitated.

·      Barriers are used to prevent wandering.

·      The person is properly positioned when in bed, a chair, or a wheelchair. Use pillows, wedge pads, or seats as the nurse and care plan direct.

·      Correct procedures are used for transfers.

BATHROOMS

·      Tubs and showers have nonslip surfaces or nonslip bath mats.

·      Safety rails and grab bars are in showers. They are by tubs and toilets.

·      Bathrooms have hand rails.

·      Shower chairs are used.

·      Safety measures for tub baths and showers are followed.

FLOORS

·      Floors have wall-to-wall carpeting or carpeting that is tacked down.

·      Scatter, area, and throw rugs are not used.

·      Floor coverings are one color. Bold designs can cause dizziness in older persons.

·      Floors have nonglare, nonslip surfaces.

·      Nonskid wax is used on hardwood, tiled, or linoleum floors.

·      Report loose floor boards and tiles. Report frayed rugs and carpets.

·      Floors and stairs are free of clutter. They are free of items that can cause tripping—toys, cords, and other items.

·      Floors are free of spills. Wipe up spills at once.

·      Floors are free of excess furniture and equipment.

·      Electric and extension cords are out of the way.

·      Equipment and supplies are kept on one side of the hallway.

FURNITURE

·      Furniture is placed for easy movement.

·      Furniture is not rearranged.

·      Chairs have armrests. Armrests give support when sitting and standing.

·      A telephone and lamp are at the bedside.

HOSPITAL BEDS AND OTHER EQUIPMENT

·      The bed is in the lowest horizontal position, except when giving bedside care. The distance from the bed to the floor is reduced if the person falls or gets out of bed.

·      Bed rails are used according to the care plan.

·      Wheelchairs, walkers, and canes fit properly. Another person's equipment is not used.

·      Crutches, canes, and walkers have nonskid tips.

·      Correct equipment is used for transfers. Follow the care plan.

·      Wheel locks on beds, wheelchairs, and stretchers are in working order.

·      Bed wheels are locked for transfers.

·      Wheelchair and stretcher safety measures are followed.

LIGHTING

·      Rooms, hallways, stairways, and bathrooms have good lighting.

·      Light switches (including in bathrooms) are within reach and easy to find.

·      Night-lights are in bedrooms, hallways, and bathrooms.

SHOES AND CLOTHING

·      Nonskid footwear is worn. Socks, bedroom slippers, and long shoelaces are avoided.

·      Clothing fits properly. Clothing is not loose. It does not drag on the floor. Belts are tied or secured in place.

SIGNAL LIGHTS AND ALARMS

·      The person is taught how to use the signal light.

·      The signal light is always within the person's reach.

·      The person is asked to call for assistance when help is needed in getting out of bed or a chair or when walking.

·      Signal lights are answered promptly. The person may

·      need help right away. He or she may not wait for help.

·      Bed and chair alarms are used. They sense when the person tries to get up.

·      Respond to bed and chair alarms at once.

OTHER

·      The person is checked often. Careful and frequent observation is important.

·      Frequent checks are made on persons with poor judgment or memory.

·      Persons at risk for falling are in rooms close to the nurses' station.

·      Hand rails are on both sides of stairs and hallways. They also are in bathrooms.

·      Family and friends are asked to visit during busy times. They are asked to visit during the evening and night shifts.

·      Companions are provided. Sitters, companions, or vol-unteers are with the person.

·      Tasks and procedures are explained before and while performing them.

·      Nonslip strips are on the floor next to the bed and in the bathroom. They are intact.

·      Caution is used when turning corners, entering corridor intersections, and going through doors. You could injure a person coming from the other direction.

·      Pull (do not push) wheelchairs, stretchers, carts, and other wheeled equipment through doorways. This allows you to lead the way and to see where you are going.

·      A safety check is made of the room after visitors leave. They may have lowered a bed rail, removed the signal light, or moved a walker out of reach. Or they may have brought an item that could harm the person.