FALL PREVENTION A Training For Consumers

FALL PREVENTIONA Training For Consumers Presented by: APS Healthcare Southwestern PA Health Care Quality Unit (HCQU) 2-25-2006/tlt

DISCLAIMER "Information or education provided by the HCQU is not intended to replace medical advice from the consumer's personal care physician, existing facility policy or federal, state and local regulations/codes within the agency jurisdiction. The information provided is not all inclusive of the topic presented." • "Certificates for training hours will only be awarded to those who attend a training in its entirety. Attendees are responsible for submitting paperwork to their respective agencies."

OBJECTIVES • YOU WILL BE ABLE TO: • List ways to help keep your living/work areas safe • Talk about why a fall can be dangerous

WHAT IS A FALL? • Coming to rest on the ground, floor, or other lower level without meaning to

WHAT CAN CAUSE A FALL? • Wet floors • Dim lighting/No Lighting • Furniture

WHAT CAN CAUSE A FALL? • Clutter • Side effects from medication • Trying to hurry to the bathroom

WHAT CAN CAUSE A FALL? • CHANGES IN YOUR: • Eye sight • Hearing

WHAT CAN CAUSE A FALL? • Sickness • Weak legs • Being angry

WHAT CAN CAUSE A FALL? • Feeling tired • Cords • Getting older

WHAT CAN HAPPEN FROM A FALL? • Broken bones • Cuts or scrapes on the skin

WHAT CAN HAPPEN FROM A FALL? • Hurting your head • Fear of a certain area

DID YOU KNOW……. • MOST FALLS CAN BE AVOIDED………. • How can I avoid a fall?????

WHAT CAN I DO TO KEEP FROM FALLING? • Ask for help with walking, especially if I feel: • Weak • Sick • Dizzy • Angry

WHAT MORE CAN I DO TO KEEP FROM FALLING? • KEEP MY HOME SAFE FOR MYSELF AND OTHERS…….

HOME SAFETY TIPS • Hold onto handrails • Use a nightlight

HOME SAFETY TIPS • Use a step stool with handrails • Keep cords out of the way

HOME SAFETY TIPS • Watch for loose throw rugs • If I lock my door, make sure staff can get to me if needed

HOME SAFETY TIPS • Clean up spills as soon as they happen • Ladder safety

HOME SAFETY TIPS • Watch for pets • Try to not get out of bed or up from a chair too fast

BATHROOM SAFETY • Have a mat or rubber “stickers” on the bottom of the bathtub • Have a non-slip mat on the bathroom floor outside of the tub/shower • Be extra careful around the toilet and sink

LIGHTS……. • Turn on light outside before going out • Turn on lights in stairs and hallways before using • Make sure there is a light on above the steps and be extra careful on 1st and last step

SOME SHOE TIPS….. • Wear shoes with low heels • Tie laces securely • Choose shoes without thick soles (except doctor ordered shoes) • Choose shoes that do not have open backs

MORE SHOE TIPS • Choose not to wear “flip-flops” • Try not to go outside with just socks on • Wear shoes/boots appropriate for the weather • Make sure your shoes are in good condition-no holes or tears and fit well

THINGS TO WATCH FOR OUTSIDE • Ice/Snow • Uneven Pavement • Curbs

REMEMBER…… • If you fall or see someone else fall……. • TELL YOUR STAFF MEMBER AND/OR NURSE RIGHT AWAY

REFERENCES • “Prevention of Falls” [HCQU PowerPoint Presentation]

For more information on this or any other physical or behavioral health topic, please visit our website @ www.hcqu.apshealthcare.com

THANK YOU!!!!! 

FALL PREVENTION A Training For Consumers