Falls

Why do falls happen to care home residents?

It is often a combination of reasons that leads to a fall.  Here are a few possible things that might be involved:

• Health – e.g. eyesight, pain, strength or hydration
• Medication – too many medications or certain types
• Environment – e.g. furniture, lighting, noise
• Other factors – e.g. footwear or walking aids

If they do happen, how can they be managed?

All care homes have plans for how to manage a fall.  These can vary, but usually involve:

• Assessing the resident where they are to make initial decisions
• Giving first aid and calling emergency help if needed
• If suitable, using trained techniques and sometimes equipment to help them up
• Reassessing, getting further advice or help if needed, and monitoring
• Recording all information, and where appropriate reporting

How can care homes reduce falls?

As falls have many reasons there is not one simple answer to this question.  By recording information care homes can learn from patterns of falls.  The patterns can be in individuals or across the home. 

Along with specialist advice, input and resources they can find ways to reduce falls.  Examples include:

• Checking footwear and foot health
• Physical activity programmes
• Good nutrition and hydration for residents
• Medication reviews
• Checking walking aids, hearing aids and glasses
• Staff training and ensuring good staffing levels
• Ensuring a safe environment