Tips to Avoid a Fall This Fall (and All Year Round)

Every year, one out of every three adults 65 years and older will fall. These falls can cause moderate to severe injuries, including hip fractures, head traumas and the risk of early death.1 The good news is that falls are largely preventable. The following list was created to help keep both you and your residents safe from fall risks.

Diet and fluids

• Good nutrition, keeping fluid levels up and exercising are all important for maintaining health and reducing fall risk. 

Vision 

• Have your eyes checked annually
• Give your eyes time to adjust to the change in light when going from a well-lit room to a dimmer one and vice versa 

Physical environment 

Ask yourself the following questions when inspecting a resident room:

• “Is the bed adjusted to an appropriate height for the resident – not too high or too low, and with the wheels immobilized?”
• “Is there a non-skid area where the resident exits the bed?”
• “Is the call light within reach?”
• “Is the lighting sufficient for the resident to see obstacles without glare?” 
• “Is the furniture at the right height and equipped with armrests to support the resident?”
• “Is the toilet at the proper height for easy use?” 
• “Is the tub area equipped with handrails and non-skid surfaces?” 
• “Is the rug that is put down to keep floors dry in winter secure enough to not trip residents?”

Devices 

• Be aware that residents can injure themselves while attempting to get free from restraints. 
• Falls can occur as a result of a resident climbing over bed rails, especially full rails. The injuries that are sustained are often much worse due to the increased height of the fall.

Footwear

• Shoes with a thinner rubber sole or rough leather sole accommodate both carpeting and tile. 
• Leather soles can cause a person to slip on a slick floor. 
• Rubber soles can cause a person to “stick” on carpet. 
• Athletic shoes with thick rubber soles can cause a halting walk on thick carpeting and prevent a true sense of impact on the bottom of the feet. 

To download a printable version of this checklist, click here.

Professional Medical’s complete fall prevention line contains a number of products to help you combat falls in your facility, including revolutionary SAFEHIP AirX hip protectors and the low-profile FlatMat. To learn more about these and other products, contact your ProMed territory manager, visit us online at promedsupply.com or give us a call at (800) 648-5190.

Reference
1 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Falls Among Older Adults: An Overview. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/homeandrecreationalsafety/falls/adultfalls.html. Accessed October 7, 2013.