Fall Risk

Preventing Patient Falls – For Patient in CCTC

The London Health Sciences Centre is committed to improving your health, and providing

compassionate  and high quality care. This includes promoting patient safety through fall prevention.

People fall for a variety of reasons. These may include:

• physical health
• weakness
• dizziness
• certain medications
• health changes that alter a person’s thinking and decision-making.

Slips and trips can also occur as a result of poor lighting, medical equipment such as IV poles, oxygen tubing or footwear.

Patients who are critically ill are considered to be at high risk for falls, therefore, routine safety precautions are in place for all patients in CCTC. These precautions include regular assessment and treatment for pain, agitation and delirium, and the continued use of bedrails for patients who are unable to ambulate without assistance or on medications that cause drowsiness.

Patients in CCTC are assessed each shift to determine if their fall risk is even higher.  Patients awakening from sedation can become confused about their surroundings and they may be much weaker than they were prior to illness.  Fall risk may increase during a patient's recovery.  We will continue to treat patients in CCTC as at high risk for falls. A risk assessment will be conducted prior to transfer to the ward.

If a patient is assessed to be at high risk for falls, additional safety precautions are added.  A sign will be placed outside their room to alert family and staff members of the increased risk.  If a patient does not wish to have a sign, please inform your nurse.

 Fall Prevention Tips:

• Patients in CCTC should not attempt to get out of bed without the assistance of a healthcare provider.  Please do not try to help your family member to get out of bed without the nurse's assistance.
• Any patient who is feeling dizzy, weak or unsteady should not attempt to get out of bed without assistance.
• All patients must wear secure, non-slip footwear.  Shoe laces should be done up to prevent tripping.  If a patient does not have suitable footwear, the nurse will provide non-slip socks.  When your family member is well enough to begin walking, please bring in a pair of sturdy shoes with socks (runners are a good choice).
• Reorientate patients frequently to help reduce surroundings and remind them of safety precautions.
• Patients who are able to use a commode or urinal should have these devices in close proximity.
• Sensory changes can increase fall risk.  Patient’s eye glasses and/or hearing aids should be used when the patient is awake.
• Please speak to the bedside nurse if you have any questions or concerns.