Fall Prevention; Alzheimer's Disease

[jmk22]

I have to do a teaching project for a patient with Alzheimer's disease. She was admitted to the hospital following a fall that occurred in her home. I thought this would be a perfect project--to teach her about preventing falls in the home. However, I am having a hard time deciding the best approach, especially when it comes to my visual aid. Because she is in a later stage of Alzheimer's, I know it would not be a good idea to just hand her a brochure with a lot of things to read....so was hoping to get some ideas!

Any thoughts would be appreciated!!

Thank you!

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

set up an obstacle course and walk thru it with her. Ask her what is wrong and what is a way it could be done better.

[christyness, BSN]

If she is in late-stage Alzheimer's, then I would hope she isn't living alone, or at the very least, has some sort of caretaker to come by her home each day.

I would focus more on teaching the caretakers. Teach her at the same time, but teach the caretaker to monitor the situation. So if you teach her not to have cords in the middle of the floor, make sure the caregiver knows to check that she is doing this on a regular basis.

[Jonathank]

If she is in late-stage Alzheimer's, then I would hope she isn't living alone, or at the very least, has some sort of caretaker to come by her home each day.

I would focus more on teaching the caretakers. Teach her at the same time, but teach the caretaker to monitor the situation. So if you teach her not to have cords in the middle of the floor, make sure the caregiver knows to check that she is doing this on a regular basis.

I'd cosign this approach. I'd say talk to the pt. to establish/foster trust/human connection and hope that some info can be retained, but understand that the caretakers will be more likely to retain the needed info.

[chulada77, ADN, BSN, MSN, APRN]

If she is in late-stage Alzheimer's, then I would hope she isn't living alone, or at the very least, has some sort of caretaker to come by her home each day.

I would focus more on teaching the caretakers. Teach her at the same time, but teach the caretaker to monitor the situation. So if you teach her not to have cords in the middle of the floor, make sure the caregiver knows to check that she is doing this on a regular basis.

I'm in total agreement. There is no reason that a late stage Alzheimer's patient is in a house alone. The caretakers need to ensure that there are not throw rugs, keep the house clutter-free, makes sure there are handrails in bathroom and stairways, do not rearrange the furniture, and keep the patient nearby. Lastly, frequent checks and easy access to the bathroom. The number one reason that people get up my themselves (and fall) is needing to use the bathroom. Perhaps night lights too....