Fall protocol

[ttouslee]

Hi everyone,

does anyone have a fall protocol that they wouldn't mind sharing? We had an incident of an aide discovering a client had fallen with injury. I did not like how it was handled, but we have nothing in place for an incident like this.

If no one wants to share, could I have some ideas on what needs to be addressed

Thank you so much in advance!

[toomuchbaloney]

Did the patient fall in their own home?

Were they alone?

What fall safety measures are reviewed with patients upon SOC and subsequent visits?

Is PT visiting the patient?

Are other disciplines visiting?

There are more questions than answers.

[ttouslee]

The client did fall at home, lives alone. We always do a fall risk, which he is/was a significant risk. Safety measures educated with all visits. client has frequent falls, needed to be in a NH, but refused. PT visits 3 days a week and OT 5 days a week. Aide 2 x week and RN 1x week. He has emergency response necklace that he refuses to use "I don't want to be a bother"

[toomuchbaloney]

The client did fall at home, lives alone. We always do a fall risk, which he is/was a significant risk. Safety measures educated with all visits. client has frequent falls, needed to be in a NH, but refused. PT visits 3 days a week and OT 5 days a week. Aide 2 x week and RN 1x week. He has emergency response necklace that he refuses to use "I don't want to be a bother"

So, the guy has a right to fall.

And, knowing that he was significantly at risk the staff have documented the crap out of their recommendations and permitted interventions.

I presume that y'all contacted the medical provider and whoever is his next of kin so that a discussion can be had relative to his on going safety in that environment. Of course, the HH staff will not likely be included in that discussion, so...

You cannot protect people from themselves for the most part.

[joy09]

I don'think there is a protocol but this is what would be done: PT eval on admission; the HHA would call the supervisor who would advise her until a nurse could get there (or would be directed to stay with patient and 911 called if necesary). RN would evaluate patient,and provide appropriate interventions; HHA/RN would submit incident report and it would be reviewed by supervisor; RN would notify the MD and patient contact andPT make recommendationsit to themPT and theWITH patient; everyone documentsrefers the hellPT out ofPT it.All of this would be documented.