falling leaf fall program

[panurse101]

I am in charge of "risk management" in our ltc facility. I have heard of the falling leaf program, or other programs similar to this. If anyone has any information, on how this works, how to start it, is it for those residents that are "high" risk for falls and how do you determine.. what kind of an assessment. My opinion is that every resident is at risk, only some are more at risk than others. I know myself, not working the floor anymore, there will be a patient walking around their room independ., but how would I know that its ok..and that that resident isnt at risk for falls. Or that they cannot go back to their room, and be left unattended? I like the concept of the leaf program as an awareness for everyone, but cannot find information on it.

Anything you can offer would be greatly appreciated. Sincerly, Tracy RN

[CapeCodMermaid, RN]

We have a falling star program. Everyone has a falls assessment done on admission and quarterly...or after a fall. If they score above a certain number, they are put on the falling star program. We put a big star outside their door, and a yellow ribbon on their walker. We have a falls meeting after every fall. We review the causes, update the care plan, send a referral (or at least have a discussion) with rehab to see if they need to screen them. We then make sure everything has been done on the incident report. If they go for 3 months without another fall, we take them off the falling star list.

[debRN0417]

We have a falling star program. Everyone has a falls assessment done on admission and quarterly...or after a fall. If they score above a certain number, they are put on the falling star program. We put a big star outside their door, and a yellow ribbon on their walker. We have a falls meeting after every fall. We review the causes, update the care plan, send a referral (or at least have a discussion) with rehab to see if they need to screen them. We then make sure everything has been done on the incident report. If they go for 3 months without another fall, we take them off the falling star list.

We have this program also. Therapy oversees it. We discuss all falls daily in morning morning meeting and then at our weekly PAR mtg.

[dbsn00]

We use the falling leaf at our facility also. We use little laminated cards with green leaves on them & attach them to the resident's walker or wheelchair & these residents also have bed & chair alarms for added safety. There is also an info sheet in the MAR for each resident such as high fall risk, DNR, allergies, etc. (sort of like a quick reference sheet), these are coordinated with colored "dot" stickers that are also on the resident's ID bracelet (red=DNR, green=high fall risk, allergies=purple, etc.)

We use an assessment chart in the admission assessment based on criteria such as dx., previous hx. of falls at another facility or from family info, # of medications/type (side effects) & info based upon PT/OT evaluations. Of course this also works with the current residents too, staff can give input on transfers, behavior, ADL's, etc. Resident's status is discussed at various meetings with staff & family.

I agree that all are at risk, some more than others. This system works fairly well for us as long as all staff is aware that these residents need extra help & supervision. If someone is a high risk for fall & confused & wants to go to the bathroom now someone needs to assist quickly or they'll try to do it themselves. Tab alarms should be responded to immediately by any staff who hears it. The leaf card is helpful to other staff like recreation for off the unit activities (once saw rec. staff try to get a man who was paralyzed from waist down up to dance )

Hope this helps, good luck! :)

[unknown99, BSN, RN]

Every patient does have at least one fall risk. Where I work (in a hospital), we have the SAFE program---- Staff Against Falls Everywhere. A red stripe is applied to the door chart box to let us know the person in that room is a fall risk. All staff--not just nursing--- is responsible to make sure the patients are safe.

[panurse101]

Every patient does have at least one fall risk. Where I work (in a hospital), we have the SAFE program---- Staff Against Falls Everywhere. A red stripe is applied to the door chart box to let us know the person in that room is a fall risk. All staff--not just nursing--- is responsible to make s

ure the patients are safe.

I want to thank everyone for all their suggestions. It is just what I am looking for. I need to start at awarness first. Any more suggestions.. Im still open to any.. thank you, Tracy RN

[redwinggirlie]

We put red slip proof socks on their feet. This way, if they are up and out of their room unattended, everyone knows they are at risk.

[donmomofnine]

We had a falling star program till one day I noticed that everyone had a star on their door.....