Falls are a serious concern for older adults and people with medical conditions. Patients and residents may be at increased risk because of muscle weakness, difficulty walking or balancing, vision problems, certain medications, confusion or dementia, low blood pressure, or a history of previous falls (MedlinePlus, 2024). Illness, surgery, hospitalization, or changes in medications can also affect a person's strength and ability to safely move without assistance.

Fall Risk Assessment and Prevention

Healthcare providers should identify individuals who are at risk for falling and take precautions based on their individual needs. A fall risk assessment may include asking about previous falls and evaluating a person's balance, strength, ability to walk, medications, vision, blood pressure, and medical conditions (CDC, 2024).

Depending on the person's level of risk, precautions may include:

• Providing assistance when walking or transferring
• Keeping the bed in a safe, low position
• Keeping floors and walking areas free of hazards
• Making sure necessary items and the call bell are within reach
• Providing appropriate footwear and mobility devices
• Regularly checking on individuals who need assistance
• Reviewing medications that may contribute to dizziness or falls

The appropriate precautions will depend on the individual's condition and identified risks. Nursing homes are expected to provide adequate supervision and assistance devices to help prevent avoidable accidents and injuries (CMS, 2024).

Falls and Substandard Care

Not every fall in a hospital, nursing home, or rehabilitation facility is preventable. However, when a patient or resident has been identified as being at risk for falls, staff should follow the precautions and care plan necessary to help keep that person safe.

A preventable fall may occur when staff fail to provide necessary supervision or assistance, do not follow established fall precautions, or fail to respond to changes that increase a person's risk.

Falls can be particularly serious for older or medically compromised individuals. Injuries may include bruising, broken bones, hip fractures, and head injuries. A serious fall may result in hospitalization, loss of mobility or independence, and other complications (MedlinePlus, 2024).

If you or someone close to you has been in a hospital, nursing home, rehabilitation center, or other care facility and suffered a serious injury from a fall that you believe could have been prevented, call our injury team at the Law Offices of Judy Greenwood for a FREE CONSULTATION at 215-557-7500.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). STEADI: Preventing Falls in Older Patients.
https://www.cdc.gov/steadi/media/pdfs/steadi-pocketguide-508.pdf

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2024). State Operations Manual: Appendix PP – Guidance to Surveyors for Long Term Care Facilities.
https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Provider-Enrollment-and-Certification/GuidanceforLawsAndRegulations/Downloads/Appendix-PP-State-Operations-Manual.pdf

MedlinePlus. (2024). Fall Risk Assessment. U.S. National Library of Medicine.
https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/fall-risk-assessment/