1 FALL PREVENTION A Training For Consumers Presented by: APS Healthcare Southwestern PA Health Care Quality Unit (HCQU) /tlt

2 DISCLAIMER "Information or education provided by the HCQU is not intended to replace medical advice from the consumer's personal care physician, existing facility policy or federal, state and local regulations/codes within the agency jurisdiction. The information provided is not all inclusive of the topic presented."  " Certificates for training hours will only be awarded to those who attend a training in its entirety. Attendees are responsible for submitting paperwork to their respective agencies."

3 OBJECTIVES  YOU WILL BE ABLE TO:  List ways to help keep your living/work areas safe  Talk about why a fall can be dangerous

4 WHAT IS A FALL?  Coming to rest on the ground, floor, or other lower level without meaning to

5 WHAT CAN CAUSE A FALL?  Wet floors  Dim lighting/No Lighting  Furniture

6 WHAT CAN CAUSE A FALL?  Clutter  Side effects from medication  Trying to hurry to the bathroom

7 WHAT CAN CAUSE A FALL?  CHANGES IN YOUR:  Eye sight  Hearing

8 WHAT CAN CAUSE A FALL?  Sickness  Weak legs  Being angry

9 WHAT CAN CAUSE A FALL?  Feeling tired  Cords  Getting older

10 WHAT CAN HAPPEN FROM A FALL?  Broken bones  Cuts or scrapes on the skin

11 WHAT CAN HAPPEN FROM A FALL?  Hurting your head  Fear of a certain area

12 DID YOU KNOW…….  MOST FALLS CAN BE AVOIDED……….  How can I avoid a fall?????

13 WHAT CAN I DO TO KEEP FROM FALLING?  Ask for help with walking, especially if I feel:  Weak  Sick  Dizzy  Angry

14 WHAT MORE CAN I DO TO KEEP FROM FALLING?  KEEP MY HOME SAFE FOR MYSELF AND OTHERS……. FOR MYSELF AND OTHERS…….

15 HOME SAFETY TIPS  Hold onto handrails  Use a nightlight

16 HOME SAFETY TIPS HOME SAFETY TIPS  Use a step stool with handrails  Keep cords out of the way

17 HOME SAFETY TIPS HOME SAFETY TIPS  Watch for loose throw rugs  If I lock my door, make sure staff can get to me if needed

18 HOME SAFETY TIPS HOME SAFETY TIPS  Clean up spills as soon as they happen  Ladder safety

19 HOME SAFETY TIPS HOME SAFETY TIPS  Watch for pets  Try to not get out of bed or up from a chair too fast

20 BATHROOM SAFETY  Have a mat or rubber “stickers” on the bottom of the bathtub  Have a non-slip mat on the bathroom floor outside of the tub/shower  Be extra careful around the toilet and sink

21 LIGHTS…….  Turn on light outside before going out  Turn on lights in stairs and hallways before using  Make sure there is a light on above the steps and be extra careful on 1 st and last step

22 SOME SHOE TIPS…..  Wear shoes with low heels  Tie laces securely  Choose shoes without thick soles (except doctor ordered shoes)  Choose shoes that do not have open backs

23 MORE SHOE TIPS  Choose not to wear “flip-flops”  Try not to go outside with just socks on  Wear shoes/boots appropriate for the weather  Make sure your shoes are in good condition-no holes or tears and fit well

24 THINGS TO WATCH FOR OUTSIDE  Ice/Snow  Uneven Pavement  Curbs

25 REMEMBER……  If you fall or see someone else fall…….  TELL YOUR STAFF MEMBER AND/OR NURSE RIGHT AWAY

26 REFERENCES  “Prevention of Falls” [HCQU PowerPoint Presentation]

27  For more information on this or any other physical or behavioral health topic, please visit our

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29  THANK YOU!!!!!  THANK YOU!!!!!