Nursing Assistant Monthly Copyright © 2013 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. What’s new? Fall prevention

Copyright © 2013 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Why do older people fall? Conditions in older adults that can lead to falls:  Muscle weakness (#1 risk factor)  Impaired balance –can be due to medication side effects  Visual problems  Cognitive impairment –Unaware of environmental hazards July 2013 Fall prevention

Copyright © 2013 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Environmental hazards Watch out for:  Clutter  Spills on the floor  Inadequate lighting CORRECT OR REPORT THESE RIGHT AWAY! July 2013 Fall prevention

Copyright © 2013 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Fall Risk Assessment  Performed by the licensed nurse  Review of the resident’s medical history –Also medications, history of falls  Screening for balance problems  Determine proper fall interventions CNAs need to know the fall interventions for each resident July 2013 Fall prevention

Copyright © 2013 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Fall interventions  Exercise or gait training –Physical therapy, restorative program  Assistive devices such as canes, walkers  Bed/chair alarms, low bed position  Toileting schedule  Transfer devices (slide boards, mechanical lift)  Visual/verbal aids (glasses, verbal cues during transfers) July 2013 Fall prevention

Copyright © 2013 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Restraints—CAUTION ADVISED  Physical or chemical (medications)  Only used as a last resort  Require a doctor’s order  Physical restraints should be removed periodically  May increase risk of injury from falls if the person tries to defeat the restraint –Example: side rails, if a resident tries to climb over them July 2013 Fall prevention

Copyright © 2013 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. When a resident falls If a resident begins to fall:  Do not try to keep him/her upright or you both could be injured.  Ease the person to the floor.  Protect the resident’s head.  Call for help from other staff.  Do not attempt to move the resident until the nurse or MD tells you that it is okay to do so. July 2013 Fall prevention

Copyright © 2013 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Reducing injuries from falls Some available options:  Special low-position beds  Hip protectors –Padded undergarments or pads worn outside clothing  Floor mats  Mattress on the floor July 2013 Fall prevention

Copyright © 2013 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Special focus: toileting Remember:  Many falls occur when residents try to go to the bathroom unassisted  Some residents can benefit from scheduled toileting  Scheduled toileting may prevent falls  Scheduled toileting has an added benefit: decreased incontinence! July 2013 Fall prevention