Falls Prevention

Joseph Brant Hospital is committed to preventing and minimizing injury from falls in hospital. We create an individualized care plan that reflects each patient's unique needs. 

Prevention

Your Fall Prevention Care Plan starts with:

• Fall prevention education

• Having your call system within reach

• Ensuring personal items are within reach

• Ensuring walking aids/commodes are accessible

• Wearing non-slip footwear

• Staying active while in hospital

 

Other Additional Measures may include:

  • Physical identifiers
    • Falling Star magnet/signage
    • Yellow wristband 
  • Scheduled trips to the bathroom
  • Help with getting out bed
  • Increased supervision
  • Bed and chair alarms 
  • Nutrition consult with Dietitian
  • Review of medications with Pharmacist

What can you and your family do?

• Share your concerns about falling

• Get up slowly after sitting or lying down

• Wear non-slip footwear

• Wear your glasses and hearing aids, as applicable

• Call when you need help to move, especially at night or when you feel dizzy or light-headed

• Your family can help by making sure the call bell and personal items are within your reach

• Some medications may have side effects. If you or your family notice any new symptoms, please notify the healthcare team

• Consider staying with your loved one – dependent upon current visitor policies

• Notify the healthcare team before leaving the unit if your loved one requires increased supervision

At Home

  • Eat healthy and well-balanced meals
  • Take medications as prescribed
  • Speak to your doctor to see if Vitamin D supplements are right for you
  • Ensure you have adequate lighting, especially at night
  • Remove tripping hazards in your home
  • Use recommended walking aids
  • Participate in regular physical activity

Reducing Injury

  • Your bed should be kept at an appropriate height for your level of mobility
  • Staff may use floor cushion(s) at your beside at night
  • Consider purchasing Hip Protectors (undergarments with hip padding) 

Resources

There are free Exercise & Fall Prevention classes in the community to help keep you strong and prevent falls. Contact Home and Community Care Support Services for information and services near you. 

Home and Community Care Support Services
T: 1 (800) 810-0000

References:

Preventing Falls and Reducing Injury from Falls, Fourth Edition | Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario (rnao.ca)

Fall Prevention in Hospitals Training Program | Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (ahrq.gov)

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