Nursing Educators

[Daltontna]

Hello,

I'm looking for ideas that other facilities might be utilizing to decrease falls. We have fall risk assessments in place...etc. We have looked at the decrease use of Benzodiazepines and Vit D supplementation. I'm looking for more proactive ideas that we might not have thought of.

Thank You!

[MarggoRita]

Analyze each fall, what was the resident attempting prior to? Often times there may be a scrap of paper or something that catches there attention on the floor and they are simply trying to pick it up, so assure floors are clean and clear of temptation. the usual toileting needs are probably the most common factor--assure toileting schedules are being followed to anticipate need, some residents will continue to have falls no matter how many different things you try, so do your best to make the environment as safe as possible so that WHEN they fall the chance of injury is decreased. Strength building and safety awareness building takes time to accomplish but is well worth it when you can set a standard cue term such as "remember safety first" to trigger better transfer habits, then you simply keep eye on how they are transferring and cue as needed if they are not doing so safely. We have a couple cognitive residents that have learned to respond to that cue, and their falls have decreased as their better habits have been reinforced by all staff.

[MarggoRita]

*cognitive impaired residents that have learned to respond to a safety cue

[ricksy]

Simple...facilities need to quit being cheap...MORE FEET AND EYES ON THE FLOOR.

[chopwood carrywater]

Simple...facilities need to quit being cheap...MORE FEET AND EYES ON THE FLOOR.

Yes. That. More volunteers would help, but too many LTC facilities are understaffed r/t pt to RN and CNA staff.

Sent from my iPhone using allnurses.com

[chrisrn24]

I swear most falls are related to tolieting...

[thenursemandy]

Toileting is the most common that I know of. Also reaching out of their wc to pick stuff up off the floor. Be proactive. Try to anyicipate needs. I know, easier said than done. When I do med pass I always ask if they need to go to toilet or need anything. Sometimes I do it. If its not urgent I put on the call light for the cnas. I didn't have many falls when I worked.