Fall Prevention
You see a resident trying to stand from a wheelchair without assistance. You should do this before they begin walking.
What is..
approach calmly and provide assistance.
This condition is a progressive change in memory, thinking, and the ability to perform everyday activities.
What is..
Dementia?
Saying "Good Morning," making eye contact, and acknowledging a coworker's effort are small actions that help build this.
What Is...
A positive workplace culture?
A resident's pants are dragging on the floor and their shoes aren't secure. This could increase fall risk, so you should do this.
What is..
correct the clothing/footwear issue.
When a resident asks the same question repeatedly, arguing with them about having already answered usually does this.
What Is...
Increase frustration or anxiety?
When staff consistently communicate changes in a resident's behavior, preferences, or needs, they help create this.
What is...
Continuity of care?
A resident is suddenly much more unsteady than usual. Rather than assuming that its "just dementia," you should do this.
What Is..
Report the change and follow the facilities assessment/escalation process?
Instead of saying "You already told me that," a caregiver should respond with this approach.
What Is...
Reassurance and Reapproach?
Gossiping, complaining about coworkers in front of residents, and refusing to help can damage this.
What is...
Team morale?
A resident becomes upset when you try to physically stop them from walking. A safer person-centered approach is this.
What Is...
Redirect, reassure, and offer assistance while maintaining safety?
This type of dementia symptom can include seeing, hearing, or believing things that aren't actually present.
What are...
Hallucinations or delusions?
A strong memory care culture recognizes that challenging behaviors are often a form of this.
What is...
Communication?
A resident keeps trying to get out of bed despite being a known fall risk. The prevention strategy is not simply "keep them in bed" but this.
What Is...
Identify why they are getting up and address the underlying need?
When a resident becomes upset because they believe they need to "go home," the caregiver should first try and understand this underlying feeling or need.
What Is...
Emotion or unmet need behind the behavior?
When staff celebrate small wins, recognize each other, and focus on solutions instead of blame, they are strengthening this.
What is...
A culture of positivity and accountability?