Fall Management Program

Why Do We Need to Assign a Special Risk Factor to Falls?

A fall is a typical event in our younger, more active years. Minor scratches and bruises are all part of growing up, of course. However, as we get on in years, many conditions can contribute to an unstable feeling and result in a fall that can cause physical and emotional damage. Falls and the injuries they cause are the number one concern for seniors and their families. Because at MediLodge of Rogers City. "It is our business to care,” we take falls and, most importantly, preventing them very seriously.

As there are many reasons that falls among seniors happen, there are intrinsic and extrinsic factors as guidelines for care staff. As an example and general guide, the most common ones are listed here. Why we need this list is very telling. Firstly, it helps us prepare our “fall determination assessment.” You will notice that many of these factors may overlap in certain patients, which definitely goes into account when we determine these “markers.” Additionally, we take questions. We ask questions such as "Where did any previous falls take place?" "How long after eating, bathing, or taking a medication did the fall occur?" and "Were there any pre-existing conditions that could have contributed to the fall?"

Common Fall Risk Factors:

• Effects of aging on gait, balance, and strength
• Acute medical conditions
• Chronic diseases
• Deconditioning from inactivity
• Behavioral symptoms and unsafe behaviors
• Medication side effects
• Extrinsic fall risk factors
• Environmental hazards
• Unsafe lighting or equipment
• Unsafe personal care items

How Can We Help to Prevent Falls in Our Patients?

As you can see from this list, there are glaringly obvious and equally hidden underlying reasons for falls. Surely, we can easily make a bedroom less difficult to navigate, but we cannot remove a heart-regulation drug. Nonetheless, this assessment helps us determine which patients will need the most guidance and assistance. Some people need a nurse nearby every time they are on the move if their risk factors have revealed that this is necessary. On the other hand, others may need help only when moving to and from a lying position. We believe that personalized patient knowledge is the key to injury and illness prevention. As always at MediLodge of Rogers City, we have the most diverse and customized care!