Falls

Approximately half of nursing home residents will fall each year. About 1 in 3 of those who fall, will fall again two or more times in a year.

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