A program of awareness and safeguards for residents at risk of falling
General Population 34.9 million people 65 years of age One in three elderly persons living in the community fall each year Of deaths caused by a fall, 60% involve people who are 75 years of age Falls account for 87% of all fractures in people 65 years of age One in two patients in nursing facilities fall every year
Risk factors for falls include changes that are part of normal aging as well as certain acute or chronic conditions. The following are examples of some examples: Gait and balance disorders Muscular weakness (particularly of the lower extremities) Dizziness or vertigo Confusion Incontinence Stroke Parkinson's disease Vision and hearing impairments Seizure disorder Depression Previous falls
Other risk factors for falls are part of the resident's environment and are most likely to be seen in areas such as the bedroom, bathroom, dining room and hallways. The following are typical examples of these risks: Hard to reach personal items Poor lighting Inappropriate footwear (soft-cushion soles or ill-fitting shoes) Lack of secure handrails Wet floors or uneven floors Loose rugs Clutter Unstable or lightweight furniture Insecure toilet seat or handrail
Serious injury such as hip fracture Increased risk of death associated with hospitalization and complications Loss of independence and decreased ability to function Loss of self-confidence and fear of falling Reduced quality of life Increased need for care
Physical restraints INCREASE the likelihood of serious injury resulting from a fall. Bed side rails are considered a restraint. It is not a method of fall prevention. Our facilities strive to be restraint free!
Tracking document to analyze and watch trends so we can be proactive with interventions and prevent future falls. Education Train all staff in fall risk and prevention. Develop a culture of fall awareness. Recruitment and Utilization of Volunteers Daily Rounds to review and evaluate residents utilizing restorative devices. Utilizing the Guardian Angel program Focus on Restorative staff
Upon admission to the facility a fall risk assessment is completed. This assessment will score a resident on their fall risk and identify intervention required.
Non skid socks Night light Hi lo bed Floor mats Bed bolsters Perimeter Mattress Walkers Chair/Bed Alarms Bedside commode AFO s (ankle-foot orthosis) Hoyer Lifts
Available through our electronic charting system STNA s should have these printed daily and must keep the copy with them at all times Other staff can ask STNA s if they have a question
A program to identify which residents are at greatest risk of falls. A Guardian Angel lists can be generated daily and shared will all staff members for awareness.
Residents are placed on the list if: They are a new admission and score poorly on their risk assessment They have two or more falls in one month They started new medication that would put them at risk They have significant changes that would create an increase in their risk of falls.
Nurse or STNA Has additional training in skills for providing physical restorative care and therapy services
Goal: to help mentally and/or physically impaired residents to participate in tasks to restore, reinforce and enhance their performance in tasks of daily living and mobility. A continuation of therapy services
If you witness a fall, a witness statement must be completed immediately following the incident.
Regardless of your position you can help reduce the risk of resident falls You can be aware of residents and devices they use You can be familiar with the Guardian Angel list You can take a moment and move a bedside table closer You can prevent an injury You can Make A difference!