We do everything we can to stop patients falling, but unfortunately this can happen for a number of reasons.
Falls can happen because of illness or because of an injury patients are being treated for, but the chances of falling are higher if you are:
- Aged 65 or over
- Confused
- Taking certain medicines
- Someone who’s fallen before.
We want to work out your risk and try to stop you falling, with help from our nurses, doctors, physiotherapist and occupational therapists.
What you can do to help
- Let us know if you have fallen before
- Listen to any advice staff give you
- Ask for help by using your call bell
- Take your time when moving and get up slowly
- Keep everything within reach and don’t stretch
- Use walking sticks or frames in the way physiotherapists tell you
- Make sure you wear your shoes or slippers and that they are non-slip, well fitting and in good repair
- Make sure you wear your glasses
- If wearing multi-focal glasses, take extra care when walking or using stairs
- Tell staff about medicines you take at home
- Make sure you have plenty to drink so that you don’t become dehydrated and get confused
What carers can do to help
- Tell staff anything you think is important
- Tell staff if you have any concerns about your relative
- Tell staff about any spills, trailing cables or anything untidy
- When you leave, make sure the patient area is clear and put chairs back
- Make sure your relative knows that you’re leaving
- Take any unnecessary things home to stop clutter
- Make sure your relative can reach the call bell
Even following this advice, it is possible that some patients will fall. Our person-centred care approach means we will follow their wishes, or act in their best interests if they are unable to communicate their wishes. Please be aware that we cannot restrain patients or take away their freedoms.
What to expect in hospital
To help reduce the risk of falls, you may see or experience some of the following in our hospitals:
- Yellow blanket and socks to help staff quickly identify patients who might be at a higher risk of falling
- Clear lighting around bathrooms so that areas are clear to see
- Wards offering decaffeinated drinks which may help reduce stress and distress
- Posters alerting patients that some doors open outwards for ease of access
- Clear signage to encourage safe mobility
- Display boards with falls information and ways to encourage safe mobilisation, where appropriate in wards
- Opportunity to take part in meaningful activities both on and off wards
- Support from other members of the team e.g. physiotherapist
- Falls education groups for you and/or your family
- Information Leaflets to help you when you leave hospital
- Information leaflets to help others support you
If you have any concerns about falls, please speak to the nurse in charge of the ward as soon as possible.
