How to prevent a fall in hospital

Submitted by Emma Hamilton on Wed, 17/02/2010 - 1:23pm

Falls are a major cause of injury in aged care homes and hospitals every year. Research shows that falls often happen close to the bed or when a person is trying to get from one place to the other.

It is no unusual for older people to fall trying to get from a chair to the bed, on or off the toilet or when taking a shower.

If your loved one is having an overnight stay in hospital be on the alert for obstacles that put them at risk of falls. If your loved one suffers from dementia, an unfamiliar environment can increase their risk of falls.

Always familiarise your loved one to the room. Remind them to ring the buzzer for help before getting up. If your loved one uses a walking frame don't forget to bring it to hospital.

Is my family member at risk of falls?

On admission your family member should have a falls risk assessment. A falls assessment will help nursing staff identify any factors that increase your loved one's risks of a fall whilst in hospital.

Your loved one could be at risk of falls if they are:

Aged over 65 years
Confused and disorientated
Have a history of falling
Have poor balance, muscle tone and strength
Are taking sedatives or certain types of medication

What can I do to help prevent a fall in hospital?

Falls should always be investigated. If a loved one has recently fallen let their doctor know. Many factors contribute to falls in the elderly. You can help prevent falls in hospital by taking a few simple steps.

Pay attention to the environment

Make sure the room and especially the area around the bed is free of clutter, eg oxygen tubing.

Does your your parent know how to use the buzzer? Can they reach the light? Keeping a torch in the bed can be handy.

Place any water bottles, tissues, books and the phone on a bedside table within reach.

Assess the need for bed rails

The use of bed rails can be seen as a form of restraint. Some people may feel secure with the bed rails up at night (for instance after a stroke). For people with memory loss or confusion bed rails can be hazardous .

A confused person may try to climb over them or get their legs stuck between them. If your loved one has a history of night wandering or climbing out of bed let the staff know.

The nursing staff will assess your parent for the safe use of bed rails. If your loved one tries to climb out of bed the staff may lower the bed right to the ground.

Encourage safe use of medications

Let staff know about any medications your parent is taking that may effect their balance or coordination. Medications can make people feel drowsy, want to rush to the toilet or feel dizzy. Do they take sleeping pills, pain killers or lasix (water pills)?

Pack the right clothes

Trips and slips can lead to a fall. Choose slippers that fit well and have a good sole. Ensure night wear isn't too long and check that the blankets and sheets are secured to the bed.

A night light can be useful for overnight stays. Hip protectors can also protect the hips from damage.

References

The Joanna Briggs Institute
Management of falls in hospital
Vol 2 Issue 4, 2005