Fall Risks
This is the leading predictor that a resident may fall again.
What is a previous fall history?
These should always be locked before transferring a resident.
What are wheelchair brakes?
These should be cleaned up immediately to prevent slips.
What are spills or wet floors?
Residents should rise slowly from bed or chairs to help prevent this.
What is dizziness?
The first thing staff should do after a resident falls.
What is stay calm and call the charge nurse?
These types of medications may increase dizziness or drowsiness and increase fall risk.
What are sedatives or sleeping medications?
This therapy service may help improve strength and balance.
What is physical therapy?
Residents should wear this type of footwear.
What is non-slip footware?
This item should always be within easy reach for residents needing assistance.
What is the pull cord or pendent?
Staff should check for these after a fall.
What are injuries, pain, bleeding, or changes in mental status?
Residents who rush here are at especially high risk for falls.
What is the bathroom?
Staff should bend these instead of their back when assisting residents.
What are the knees?
These should remain clear and free of clutter.
What are walkways or hallways?
Staff should encourage residents to ask for this before walking if they are unsteady.
What is assistance or help?
This should always be completed after a fall according to policy.
What is incident documentation or reporting?
This condition may cause impulsive behavior and poor safety awareness.
What is dementia?
Before beginning a transfer, staff should always do this.
What is explain the transfer to the resident?
This should always be within a resident’s reach.
What is the call bell?
Residents who wear socks without grips are at higher risk for this.
What is slipping or falling?
After a fall, staff should continue to monitor the resident for this possible delayed injury.
What is a change in condition or head injury symptoms?
Holding onto furniture while walking is often a sign of this.
What is poor balance or gait instability?
A resident trying to stand without assistance is displaying this type of behavior.
What is unsafe behavior?
Poor lighting can increase this risk.
What is fall risk?
This is an important reason residents should use their walkers correctly.
What is maintaining balance and stability?
This information should be included in post-fall documentation.
What is what happened before, during, and after the fall?