Part 2: Fall Prevention Strategies for Nursing Homes

Assess staffing: Ensuring adequate staffing levels can help prevent falls by allowing staff to promptly address any issues that may arise and supervise residents who are at high risk of falling.

Environment friendly- no clutter, keep objects in the same place, etc: Keeping the environment free from clutter and hazards can reduce the risk of falls. Objects should be kept in the same place to reduce confusion and provide a consistent environment for residents.

Assess medications for side effects: Certain medications can increase the risk of falls. By assessing medications for potential side effects, nursing homes can adjust dosages or change medications to reduce the risk of falls.

Assess for postural hypotension: Postural hypotension, a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up, can increase the risk of falls. By assessing for postural hypotension, nursing homes can put measures in place to prevent falls in these individuals.

Assess for foot problems and proper footwear: Foot problems such as bunions or blisters can increase the risk of falls. By assessing for foot problems and ensuring proper footwear, nursing homes can reduce the risk of falls.

Test balance, gait, strength: Testing balance, gait, and strength can help identify individuals who are at risk of falling and provide targeted interventions to reduce the risk of falls.

Educate resident regarding risks for falls: Educating residents about the risks of falls and how to prevent them can empower them to take an active role in their own fall prevention.

Look at the number of medications and possible interactions: Taking multiple medications or medications that interact with each other can increase the risk of falls. By reviewing medications and possible interactions, nursing homes can adjust medications to reduce the risk of falls.

Glasses appropriate for walking (multifocal glasses contribute to falls): Multifocal glasses can increase the risk of falls by distorting depth perception. By ensuring that residents have appropriate glasses for walking, nursing homes can reduce the risk of falls.

Low bed: A low bed can reduce the risk of injury in the event of a fall.

Non-skid floor mats: Non-skid floor mats can provide additional traction and reduce the risk of slipping and falling.

Call light within reach: Having a call light within reach can allow residents to easily summon assistance in the event of a fall.

Alarms: Alarms can alert staff to potential falls, allowing them to quickly respond and prevent falls.

Increased observation: Increasing observation of residents who are at high risk of falling can help prevent falls by allowing staff to intervene before a fall occurs.

Room close to nursing station: Placing residents in rooms close to the nursing station can ensure that assistance is readily available in the event of a fall.

Non-skid shoes: Non-skid shoes can provide additional traction and reduce the risk of slipping and falling.

Toileting program: scheduled, cueing: Implementing a toileting program that includes scheduled toileting and cueing can reduce the risk of falls by ensuring that residents do not attempt to go to the bathroom on their own.

Use of glasses if applicable: Wearing appropriate glasses can reduce the risk of falls by improving vision.

Reduce clutter in the room: Reducing clutter in the room can reduce the risk of falls by providing clear pathways for residents to navigate.

Increased activities: Increasing activities can improve strength and balance, reducing the risk of falls.