Client Safety
Although falls are the leading cause of fatal injuries, and the most common cause of non-fatal trauma related hospital admissions of older adults, it can be prevented.
A fall can threaten an older adults’ mortality, safety, and independence which can created extreme economic and personal costs. Falls are the number one cause of injury, hospital visits due to trauma, and death from an injury among seniors ages 65 and older. It is estimated that one in four older adults falls each year fiscal year. Falls among older adults is a serious issue, but research has shown that many fall risks can be reduced. (USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, 2017). In addition, falling is not a regular result of aging in adults. With the proper …show more content…
Many of the fall risks can be reduced with structured planning and education. Medical providers can help to identify risks and develop client goals for safety. Detailed physical activity can target reduce fall risk by increasing balance and mobility skills. Alterations and changes to the home and community environment or lifestyle can reduce hazards and help support a person in completing daily activities. While this is not a comprehensive list of fall prevention strategies, it’s a good place to start. (USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, 2017). Usually when a patient is admitted to the hospital, there are certain policy’s and protocols in place for safety. Each facility is different but has the same goal and follow the guidelines according to safety goals. Some ways to prevent falls during hospital stay starts with client education. Some actions include keeping bed locked in low position, keeping the call light within reach, and wearing non slip shoes or socks while ambulation. Several programs can be affective with proper communication. “Hospital programs typically focus on bed alarms, booties, hourly rounding, and patient signatures on fall prevention guidelines. These only scratch the surface of a complex, multidimensional issue. To examine only extrinsic risk factors means overlooking the link between disease and disease management.” (Goodman, 2013, p.
Although falls are the leading cause of fatal injuries, and the most common cause of non-fatal trauma related hospital admissions of older adults, it can be prevented.
A fall can threaten an older adults’ mortality, safety, and independence which can created extreme economic and personal costs. Falls are the number one cause of injury, hospital visits due to trauma, and death from an injury among seniors ages 65 and older. It is estimated that one in four older adults falls each year fiscal year. Falls among older adults is a serious issue, but research has shown that many fall risks can be reduced. (USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, 2017). In addition, falling is not a regular result of aging in adults. With the proper …show more content…
Many of the fall risks can be reduced with structured planning and education. Medical providers can help to identify risks and develop client goals for safety. Detailed physical activity can target reduce fall risk by increasing balance and mobility skills. Alterations and changes to the home and community environment or lifestyle can reduce hazards and help support a person in completing daily activities. While this is not a comprehensive list of fall prevention strategies, it’s a good place to start. (USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, 2017). Usually when a patient is admitted to the hospital, there are certain policy’s and protocols in place for safety. Each facility is different but has the same goal and follow the guidelines according to safety goals. Some ways to prevent falls during hospital stay starts with client education. Some actions include keeping bed locked in low position, keeping the call light within reach, and wearing non slip shoes or socks while ambulation. Several programs can be affective with proper communication. “Hospital programs typically focus on bed alarms, booties, hourly rounding, and patient signatures on fall prevention guidelines. These only scratch the surface of a complex, multidimensional issue. To examine only extrinsic risk factors means overlooking the link between disease and disease management.” (Goodman, 2013, p.