How to Reduce Patient Falls

Patient falls can result in tragedy. A simple accident could lead to broken bones, head injuries or, in some cases, even death. Recovering from a fall in the home or in a facility can involve surgeries, recovery time or time spent in a rehabilitation facility. Helping your patient take precautions at home or in a facility will help reduce falls as well as the struggles that take place after falling.

Instructions

See the Doctor

• 1

  Ask your pateint's doctor for any suggestions he may have to prevent falls. Review the medications with him to ensure that they do not react with each other or cause dizziness or weakness. He may be able to suggest an alternate medication or change the regimen to help prevent accidents.

• 2

  Talk with the patient and the doctor about starting an exercise program. Building up and increasing coordination and balance will help your patient accomplish everyday activities. It will also improve her strength and enable her to move around easier.

• 3

  Schedule an appointment for the patient to visit his eye doctor. Have his eyes checked and glasses adjusted, if applicable. Being able to see clearly will help him identify any obstacles while walking.

Safety Proof Your Patient's Home

• 4

  Move through each room and remove any obstacles that might cause a fall.

• 5

  Get rid of all clutter on the floor. Remove any newspapers, clothes or shoes that lie on the floor. Help your patient decide on a specific place where he will put common items. For example, he may want to keep his shoes on the floor in a closet.

• 6

  Move anything your patient uses on a regular basis to a lower level. Using stools and ladders presents a large risk of falling. Moving items from the top of a cabinet and storing them on the counter will help her reach them easier when she needs them.

• 7

  Install non-slip surfaces. Use double-sided tape on the underside of any rugs to hold them securely in place. Place a non-slip mat in the bottom of the shower or bathtub.

Take Precautions

• 8

  Ensure that your patient knows to wear shoes, socks or slippers with a non-slip sole on them. This will help him prevent falls when walking on tile or slippery floors.

• 9

  Teach your patient to use brighter lighting in her home. Turning on more lights when she is home will enable her to see easier. If she has a lighted stairwell or must go into the basement, be sure that any and all lights are turned on before she uses the staircase.

• 10

  Direct him to use all handrails or supports when sitting and standing. This is especially important in the bathroom. Be sure he knows to use handrail supports when using the toilet, shower or bathtub. Have handrails installed if he does not already have them.