Fall Prevention
Falls are the leading cause of injury for seniors. While not all falls can be predicted or prevented, long-term care staff will work with you to try to prevent a fall from occurring and/or reduce the injury from a fall.
Fall assessment
The level of fall risk will be assessed for every resident on admission, every three months, if your medical condition changes and every time after a fall. Fall prevention is a team approach and appropriate care team members will have a discussion with you or your family about what interventions are in place to help prevent a fall or reduce the injury should a fall happen.
Some steps that we may take to prevent your risk of falling or reduce your level of injury
- Keeping bed in lowest position when care is not being provided.
- Checking that wheels on beds, wheelchairs or commodes are locked when in use.
- Using split side rails to help you move in bed.
- Checking on youoften.
- Use of bed alarms.
Falls are the leading cause of injury for seniors. It’s important that you and your family are aware and involved in your fall prevention care plan.
You and your family can help by:
- Asking for help if you need to get out of bed or to the washroom.
- Keeping your room free of clutter and free from accessories on the floor, such as mats or throw rugs.
- Wearing non-skid/slip shoes and/or slippers with back supports/closed heel.
If you have a fall
Your nursing staff will:
- Check you for any pain or injuries.
- Check your vital signs (blood pressure and pulse).
- Let your doctor or nurse Practitioner know.
- Let your family or Substitute Decision Maker know.
- Reassess your fall risk.
- Update your care plan needs, and talk to your health-care team about any needed changes.
Eastern Health’s long-term care video, Your Role in Safety, outlines how you and your family are partners in your safe care.