Fall Prevention

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported the following statistics:

• Falls are the leading cause of death and disability in persons > 65 years
• 1 in 3 older adults fall each year, and women are 3 times more likely to be hospitalized for fall than men
• 80% of hip fractures occur in women
• Approximately 50% of older adults hospitalized for a hip fracture are unable to return home or live independently after the injury

Because approximately 50%-60% of all falls among older adults occur at home, the CDC recommends that a senior's home be assessed for potential hazards. At Hopewell, the initial visit by an RN provides an opportunity to identify potential fall hazards and take corrective action before a fall occurs. Our welcome package includes a section on common in-home hazards that may contribute to a fall. The initial RN visit also provides an opportunity for suggestions for assistive devices such as a cane or walker, grab bars in bathrooms, elevated toilet seat, or bed-side commode that could help prevent a fall.

When the Hopewell RN identifies a client with a history of falling or a diagnosis that can contribute to a fall, a plan of care is implemented that alerts the physician to the heightened risk of a fall so that he or she may prescribe therapy aimed at improving balance and possibly prevent a debilitating fracture. The RN may suggest that a "hands-on" caregiver with the proper training be referred to the client. Any client at risk of falling also has this information conveyed to the client's scheduled caregiver so that the caregiver may take appropriate steps to avoid a fall.