MNA M osby ’ s Long Term Care Assistant Chapter 13 Preventing Falls

Preventing Falls Most common accident in LTCF Most occur between 6 pm - 9 pm Many prevention actions

Preventing Falls Prevention actions: Frequent observation Good lighting Hand rails No rugs Carpets are one color Non-slip surfaces No clutter in rooms or halls Armrest on chairs Nonskid foot ware

Preventing Falls Prevention actions: Proper fitting clothes Glasses and hearing aids applied Signal light within reach Chair Alarm – answer immediately Companionship Assistance with elimination needs at regular intervals Barriers for wandering Bed in lowest horizontal position Brakes on beds and chairs

Preventing Falls Many prevention actions: Side rails Check care plan Entrapment? False imprisonment? Possible Solution? Place mattress on floor

Preventing Falls Remember Side rails are considered restraints by OBRA Must obtain consent to use rails Need for SR must be noted in care plan Bed bar

Preventing Falls Gait belts or transfer belt is used to support unsteady person Ambulating? Gait belt Moving? Transfere belt Apply over clothing

Review Adequate lightening helps prevent falls. TrueFalse

Review The risk of falls decreases with age TrueFalse

Review The greatest risk from bedrails is entrapment You are assisting a resident to the bathroom. He starts to fall. What should you do? Ease the person to the floor

Review Persons at risk for falling should stay in their rooms TrueFalse

Review OBRA requires the use of bedrails for all patients. TrueFalse

Review Area rugs help prevent falls. TrueFalse

Questions?