Falls often have serious consequences and decrease the resident’s quality of life and ability to function. Residents who fall without injury often develop a fear of falling that leads to self-imposed limitation of activity.
One in every 10 residents who fall will suffer serious injury and about 65,000 patients suffer a hip fracture each year.
LIMITATIONS CAUSED BY FALLS
- Reduced quality of life
- Increased fear of falling and restriction of activities
- Decreased ability to function
- Serious injuries
- Increased risk of death
Nursing homes are required to have a systematic process to assess, intervene and monitor residents to minimize fall risks.
CAUSES OF FALLS
- Effects of aging on gait, balance, and strength
- Acute medical conditions
- Chronic diseases
- Medication side effects
- Deconditioning from inactivity
- Behavioral symptoms
- Environmental hazards
- Unsafe equipment
- Unsafe personal care items
RISK FACTORS
- Poor lighting
- Cluttered living space
- Uneven floors, wet areas
- Unstable furniture
- Unstable bed wheels
- Ineffective wheelchair brakes
- Missing equipment parts
- Improper footwear
- Hard-to-manage clothing
- Inaccessible personal items