Part 1: Fall Prevention Strategies for Nursing Homes

Eliminate distractions while walking: This intervention aims to reduce the risk of falls by ensuring that residents are not distracted while walking. Distractions can include loud noises, visual clutter, or anything that takes a resident's attention away from their movements. By reducing distractions, residents can focus on walking and avoid accidents.

Purposeful staff rounding: This intervention involves nursing home staff regularly checking on residents to identify any potential hazards or risks of falling. It allows staff to promptly address any issues before they become a fall risk.

Complete fall root cause analysis: By identifying the cause of falls, nursing homes can address the underlying issues and reduce the risk of falls happening in the future.

Complete risk assessment: This intervention aims to identify residents who are at higher risk of falling and put measures in place to prevent falls. The risk assessment takes into account factors such as mobility, medications, and medical conditions.

Assess for syncope: Syncope is a sudden loss of consciousness and can increase the risk of falls. By assessing residents for syncope, nursing homes can put measures in place to prevent falls in these individuals.

Complete pain assessment: Pain can impact a resident's ability to move and increase the risk of falls. By assessing and addressing pain, nursing homes can help residents move more comfortably and safely.

Obtain eye exam: Poor vision can increase the risk of falls. By obtaining regular eye exams, nursing homes can identify any vision issues and provide appropriate treatment.

Quiet environment for dementia residents: Dementia residents can become easily agitated in noisy environments, leading to an increased risk of falls. By providing a quiet environment, nursing homes can reduce the risk of falls in these individuals.

Proper seating if in a wheelchair - feet flat on the floor, lowering the back of the seat, etc. OT screen for seating: Proper seating can help improve posture and balance, reducing the risk of falls.

Consider vitamin D and calcium-due to no sunlight: Vitamin D and calcium are essential for strong bones and can help reduce the risk of falls.

Ensure proper footwear: Proper footwear is essential for maintaining balance and reducing the risk of falls. Nursing homes should ensure that residents have appropriate footwear that fits well and provides adequate support.

Helmets if applicable: Helmets can provide added protection for residents who are at a high risk of falls, such as those with a history of falls or head injuries.

Hip protectors: Hip protectors can reduce the risk of hip fractures in the event of a fall.

Exercise program-improve balance, plus tires them (satisfies need to walk), gait training: Exercise programs can help improve balance and reduce the risk of falls. Additionally, they can provide residents with a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, which can improve their quality of life.