Fall Prevention
What is a common trip hazard found on the floor?
Loose rugs, clutter, cords
What should you do when there is a spill on the floor?
- Immediately get it cleaned up right away, safely
- Get assistance or staff to clean it up
What can you put in the bathroom shower to prevent slipping?
A nonslip mat, or adhesive safety treads for grip
Why is it important to utilize handrails when available going up and down stairs?
For support and to prevent falls
What number do you call in an emergency?
- 911
- Staff or someone nearby to assist or to call 911
What can you do with cords in a walkway?
- Use cord protectors or cable boxes
- Secure wires along baseboards/ walls with clips/ tape out of the way
Why is it a good strategy to turn the pot handles inwards away from yourself when cooking?
Prevent accidents with spills and burns
Why can grab bars be important in the bathroom?
Provides more support and prevents falls like slipping
What should you do before crossing the street?
- Always cross at marked intersections or corners where drivers expect pedestrians. Don't jaywalk.
- Never assume and always check both ways before crossing
- Check for the go signal, wait for the "Walk" sign, but still look for turning vehicles before walking
- Avoid distractions like phones and pay close attention to your surroundings
Why can keeping a phone, medical alert systems, or smart home devices nearby be important for safety?
To have an accessible way to call for help quickly during emergencies
When experiencing dizziness while standing, what safety strategy could be used to prevent falls?
- Sit back down before standing
- Rise slowly
- Use support like a walker or a table
- Ask for help/ assistance
When experiencing decreased sensation in the hands, what modifications can help prevent burns when in the kitchen?
- Never make direct contact with heat or hot items
- Use oven mitts/ adaptive equipment
- Visual checking
When experiencing poor balance and fatigue, what durable medical equipment would be useful to increase safety during bathing?
Shower chair, grab bars, and hand-held shower head
When experiencing poor attention and a tendency to get distracted in busy environments, what can you do to improve safety in the community?
- Reduce distracting items
- Focus on one task at a time
- Take frequent breaks
- Use reminders
- Have another person with you for assistance and support
When experiencing poor memory and a tendency to forget what to do during emergencies, what strategies can help improve safety?
- Refer to emergency instructions/ plans displayed in the room
- Use the call light system to alert staff
- Practice regular safety drills
- Press the call light button for help
- Utilize staff reminders and supervision as needed