As National Fall Awareness Week (Sept. 21-25) draws to a close, I can think of no better time to share details about SafelyYou’s new Toolbox feature found on the Fall Huddle Resource Hub, a one-stop-shop for fall huddle program education and collaboration that encourages fall prevention in memory care.

These downloadable tools will assist with discussions and fall prevention programs by providing a detailed road map for Fall Scene Investigation, Move-In Checklist and Environmental Sweep.

Here’s a quick overview of the tools which are free and accessible to the general public.

FALL SCENE INVESTIGATION

When a resident in a senior housing community falls, it can be a stressful time for the care staff. This step-by-step guide will help you examine environmental triggers, hazardous furniture and even what the resident was wearing. The form includes a section on resident and fall scene details and features a number of specific questions and grids to record action plans:

• Was the resident last seen in bed?
• Was the resident last seen in their chair?
• Does the resident ambulate in their room?
• Room details: Was the bathroom light on? Was the bedroom door open?
• Action Plan: Immediate interventions
• Post-Fall Actions: Contributing factors, action items, due date and responsible party

MOVE-IN CHECKLIST

There are numerous factors to consider when designing a resident’s room, spanning from simple safety measures to arranging furniture. Before a resident even moves into a community, the family needs to evaluate the space and dimensions to decide the type of furniture needed and the layout of the room. The Move-In Checklist addresses a number of considerations for care staff to discuss with families prior to a resident move-in. The following are just a few highlights:

• Resident Considerations
  • Discuss environmental preferences and routines
  • Review and/or assess mobility status
  • Discuss level of assistance, such as help with transfers, dressing and showering
• Furniture and Storage
  • Bed size (will dictate position in the room)
  • Bedside table (address corners)
  • Accessible storage/shelving
• Additional Mobility Considerations
  • No mobility aid: Reduce risk by making sure items are within reach of standing or sitting.
  • Two- or four-wheeled walkers: Room should have more space for pathway to exit.
  • Wheelchair: Ensure there is additional space for safe transfers from bed and chairs with multiple care staff in the room.
• Maintenance After Move-In
  • Since a resident’s condition will change over time, it is essential to continuously adjust the room design for the safest environment possible by regularly evaluating mobility and assistance with daily living status.

ENVIRONMENTAL SWEEP

Before leaving a resident unattended, care staff should review these items to reduce fall risk:

• Engagement: Ask the resident if they need anything and allow extra time for processing. Address pain before leaving them alone.
• Continence Care: Prompt resident to visit restroom, check for incontinence and ensure incontinence items are proper type and size.
• Positioning: Position resident in preferred and safe location and make sure there is a clear pathway to exit the room and access the restroom.
• Resident-Specific Items: Ensure items such as phone and books are within reach, television is on/off, lighting is appropriate, bedroom door is open/closed, etc.
• Mobility Aids: If able to self-transfer, the device is locked and positioned appropriately. If unable to self-transfer, the device is out of view.

For a deeper dive into fall prevention, download our white papers Best Practices for Developing an Effective Fall Huddle Program and Fall Prevention During COVID-19.