Fall Prevention Tips and Recommendations
Did you know that more than one out of four persons older than 65 fall each year and over 3 million are treated in the emergency departments annually for fall injuries.
As a home health and hospice agency, CNS can play a major role in fall prevention and can greatly assist patients in staying safe in their home! Our team of skilled clinicians will assess potential fall risks and provide recommendations to patients and families to prevent falls and improve overall safety in the home. There is a lot we can do to help keep our patients safe!
For patients of CNS, it is a collaborative approach to preventing falls. Fall prevention is addressed by Nursing, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy and Home Health Aides. Our team members are actively working to help identify potential causes of falls and also to prevent falls for every patient we treat!
Individuals at risk and their families can do a lot to create a safer environment at home. Here are some tips and recommendations to consider:
Clean and clear pathways, remove obstacles and clutter.
Adequate lighting – install brighter light bulbs and additional lighting if needed.
Remove throw rugs or tack/tape down surfaces.
Remove or relocate extension cords.
Repair broken stairs, carpeting, thresholds or other flooring in disrepair.
Identify safe seated surfaces for patient use, which include arms for the patient to easily seat themselves and also to get up from.
Teach safety and effective management of oxygen tubing.
Keep adaptive devices within reach and use them, for example, walker, cane, and wheelchair.
Assess for adaptive equipment needs, such as, shower bench with back, tub transfer bench, bedside commode, raised toilet seat, grab bars, and handrails.
Relocate commonly used objects to more easy to reach areas. Move items from high or low cupboards to accessible areas.
Avoid loose clothing that can bunch up or drag on the ground and act as a tripping hazard.
Keep your hands free.
Wear shoes or non slip socks. Also nonslip mats are effective on slick surfaces.
Move carefully. Take time to move from one room to another. Take a rest break in seated or standing position. Pause before going up or down stairs.
Follow a strengthening program as developed by your physical and occupational therapist.
Review all medications with your nurse, MD or pharmacist, as some medications can affect balance and steadiness.
Recommend patients have their vision checked at least annually.
Get enough sleep.
Avoid or limit alcohol.
Carry a phone or emergency alert button with you in case of a fall.