Preventing Falls - Things you can do!

Nobody plans to fall, but knowing what to do before hand can reduce, or even remove, the chance of injury!

That’s why it’s important to be prepared

Preventing falls begins at home, ensure that your home is a 'fall-free' area.

• Start by removing clutter from hallways, entrances and other high-traffic areas. Remove throw rugs.
• Repair broken railings, replace worn steps and install bright strips of tape on the edge of steps. 
• In bathrooms, install hand and guard rails for extra support.
• Improve lighting in dimly lit areas by installing nightlights, and keep a flashlight by your bed.
• Make sure all items that you need on a daily basis are easily accessible. Avoid over-extending or reaching for high places.
• And lastly, always wipe up spills right way!

Discuss what you could expect if you refuse the treatment. This information will help you make an informed decision.

What about outside the home?

Now that your home is ready, let’s talk about preventing falls if you are in the hospital.

• When you arrive at the hospital, take a moment to look around and familiarize yourself with your new environment. 
• Let staff know if you have fallen in the past and if you need help. 
•  Ask if the medications you are receiving could affect your vision, hearing, or balance. 
• Your hospital bed likely has many adjustment options. Lower it so your feet touch the floor when getting out of bed.
• Always use handrails when they’re available, including in the bathroom.

Extra measures you can take

There are some extra measures you can take to prevent falls.

• Exercise daily. This will improve your balance and coordination. Speak with your healthcare provider about safe exercises that you can do.
• Talk with your pharmacist if you find your medications make you sleepy or dizzy.
• Have your eyes checked regularly and take extra care when wearing bifocal and multifocal glasses, especially on stairs.
• Wear supportive footwear with solid grip. And if you have a cane or walker, use it.
• Eat healthy. Good nutrition will boost your energy and help you feel strong.

Remember, preventing falls is important to your safety!

3 key things to remember:

• make your home a “fall-free” area.
• be vocal and ask for help while you’re at the hospital.
• take extra measures to reduce the likelihood of you falling.

For information about other patient safety topics, please visit safetoask.ca and browse through the S.A.F.E. Toolkit. You may also call 204-927-6477 or 1-866-927-6477.

Learn to be safe!

This article was originally part part of a series published in the Senior Scope in 2018, with articles on patient safety based on the S.A.F.E. Toolkit. The series was written by Laurie Thompson, who is executive director of the Manitoba Institute for Patient Safety.