Risk Factors
A client who has previously fallen before may experience a higher risk of falling again.
Is it TRUE?
A resident/patient, Power of Attorney, or their Substitute Decision Maker should not be involved in their individualized care plan
Is it FALSE?
The Apotex and Hospital Falls Prevention Policy are the same and can be used interchangeably
Is it false?
A patient or resident has a fall but no apparent injury - staff would document this incident in specific locations.
What are SERS and Meditech?
Poor lighting, uneven surfaces, slippery floors, inappropriate footwear or clothing, improperly maintained or used assistive devices, low toilet seat, no grab bar, prolonged hospital stay, unsafe transferring, restraints
What are environmental and situational fall risk factors?
Call bell
What is a device that helps a patient or resident ask for assistance before getting up?
Staff can look at a patient or resident's specific fall risks and their support needs here
What is a Care Plan?
A patient or resident has been falling for the same reason within a month.
What is resident reassessment and individualized intervention revision?
Dizziness, faintness, drowsiness, confusion, difficulty with balance
What are medication side effects that increase fall risk?
Mobility aids, fall detection devices, fall prevention clothes, bathroom safety equipment.
What are assistive devices/equipment related to fall prevention?
1. Any unintentional change in position where the client ends up on the floor, group, or other level.
2. Any unintentional change in position where the client ends up on the floor, group, or other lower level as assisted by another person.
3. Occurs when the fall is not observed by another person and the client is found on the floor, ground, or other lower level.
What is a fall, assisted fall, and unwitnessed fall?
1) Do NOT move the person, 2) Stay with the person, 3) Call ext. 5555 for a medical alert
What are the steps to take when you witness a fall in a in a common area or in a non patient/resident care area?
Positions used to take orthostatic blood pressure
What is lying down, sitting, and standing?
This review identifies medications with side effects contributing to a patient or resident's fall risk
What is a medication review?
Pharmacist, occupational therapist, physiotherapist, recreational therapist, doctor, registered nursing staff, dietician, personal support workers work together to use this framework
What is the interdisciplinary/interprofessional team approach to fall prevention and management?
Physiotherapy or Occupational Therapy
Who are rehab-related professionals who would be involved with supporting changes in mobility?
A risk factor related to history of falls, nutritional deficiencies, incontinence, and impaired senses.
What is an intrinsic/biological risk factor?
Checking for appropriate footwear, access to assistive devices, level of ability to walk, lighting, appropriate toileting, clear environment
What are environmental prevention strategies that clinical staff should consider for a patient or resident?
Hospital: 1) within 24 hours of admission or 2) 24 hours post-transfer to another unit, 3) after a fall, 4) every 3 months or sooner if clinically necessary
Apotex: 1) within 24 hours of admission or re-admission, 2) as triggered by the MDS Resident Assessment Protocol, 3) after a fall or another significant change in status
What are falls risk assessment conditions?
Assess the resident and identify contributing factors, update and review the care plan, monitor and report changes, make appropriate referrals, notify the family/POA/SDM, notify the physician or Most Responsible Practitioner, and complete reports in SERS and Meditech.
What are some of responsibilities for care-providing staff after a patient/resident fall?