Fall Prevention
Patient Safety Through Fall Prevention
At Saint Francis Hospital, we strive to make your stay as safe and pleasant as possible. As part of our continued dedication to patient safety, we are providing you with this information to help reduce your risk of falling.
Why am I at risk of falling?
Factors may include:
- Being weak or unsteady on your feet
- Using a walking aid (i.e., crutches, cane, walker) or leaning on objects to help you get around
- Being in an unfamiliar environment and connected to several medical devices
- Overestimating your physical ability
- Medications such as recent anesthesia, and blood pressure or pain medications
- Frequent need to use the bathroom
- History of falling
What will my care team do to help prevent me from falling?
To help keep you safe, staff will take certain measures, including:
- Routinely assess your risk for a fall
- Develop a plan of care to avoid or limit factors that put you at risk
- Orient you to your room and fall prevention strategies
- Educate you and your family/caregiver on fall prevention
- Make all staff aware of patients at risk of falling
What can my family and I do to help prevent a fall?
Fall prevention involves not only the patient and staff, but family, friends and caregivers as well.
During your hospital stay, follow these safety reminders:
- “Call, Don’t Fall”
- Use the call light to ask for help when getting up anytime you feel weak, unsteady or lightheaded
- Your nurse may request that you use the call light every time you want to get up if you are at risk of falling
- Wear non-skid slippers or shoes when walking, and use a walking aid if indicated
- Do not lean on anything that may roll or move, such as the bedside table or an IV pole
- Report any spills or liquid on the floor
- Family, friends and caregivers should alert staff when they leave
How do I prevent falls at home?
After you leave the hospital, it will be important for you and your family to practice fall prevention and safety at home. Taking steps to prevent a fall will help you recover more quickly. You will receive additional information on home fall prevention throughout your hospital stay.
Call, Don’t Fall
Our “Call, Don’t Fall” program ensures that all patients receive the assistance needed to prevent any injuries from falls. Although you feel as if you are able to walk and be mobile on your own, you may need help.
We are glad to assist you. Just press the call button and a staff member will be in to help.
Be Aware of Bathroom Risks
One of the most common situations in which falls occur is getting to or from the bathroom or using a bedside commode.
- Plan routine trips to the bathroom
- Allow time for staff to help you
- Staff should be within arm’s reach while you are toileting to help protect you from falling