Historically, hospitals have tried to reduce falls…but significant sustained reduction has proven illusive.
–The Joint Commission, Sentinel Alert 55
–The Joint Commission, Sentinel Alert 55
Fall Prevention Guidance
Although the videos below provide guidance on patient safety, falls are a major problem. Hospital patient falls occur at a rate of 3-5 per 1000 bed-days and within nursing homes half of the 1.6 million patients fall each year - Patient Safety Network, Agency for Healthcare Quality and Reseach. HHS.
Although the videos below provide guidance on patient safety, falls are a major problem. Hospital patient falls occur at a rate of 3-5 per 1000 bed-days and within nursing homes half of the 1.6 million patients fall each year - Patient Safety Network, Agency for Healthcare Quality and Reseach. HHS.
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Information Sources:
Florida Older Adult Fall Prevention Programs
Overview
Unintentional falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries among Florida residents ages 65 years and older.
In 2019, 3,013 older adults were fatally injured in a fall.
In addition to deaths and injuries, as well as the costs associated with them, falls can have many negative consequences for older adults, including:
Preventing Falls Among Older Adults
There are many reasons why an older adult might fall, including a variety of biological, behavioral, and environmental factors. These factors include:
There are evidence-based interventions for older adults, including programs designed specifically to prevent falls. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has resources available for providers interested in these interventions, including a compendium of evidence based fall interventions and a guide on developing community based falls prevention programs. The National Council on Aging (NCOA) also has information about evidence based programs. A few of the interventions being conducted in Florida include:
Florida Older Adult Fall Prevention Programs
Overview
Unintentional falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries among Florida residents ages 65 years and older.
In 2019, 3,013 older adults were fatally injured in a fall.
In addition to deaths and injuries, as well as the costs associated with them, falls can have many negative consequences for older adults, including:
- Fear of falling again
- Forced relocation from the home
- Loss of independence
- Stress in the family
Preventing Falls Among Older Adults
There are many reasons why an older adult might fall, including a variety of biological, behavioral, and environmental factors. These factors include:
- A previous fall
- Chronic health conditions (e.g., arthritis, stroke)
- Conditions in the home (e.g., slippery floors, loose rugs, cords on the floor, poor lighting)
- Fear of falling
- Medicines (including interaction effects)
- Mobility problems (e.g., muscle weakness, balance)
- Poor nutrition (leading to weakness, dizziness, fainting)
- Poor vision or hearing
- Exercising regularly (especially leg strengthening and improving balance)
- Having an eye doctor check their vision at least once a year
- Making their home environment safer
- Reviewing their medicines with a doctor or pharmacist.
There are evidence-based interventions for older adults, including programs designed specifically to prevent falls. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has resources available for providers interested in these interventions, including a compendium of evidence based fall interventions and a guide on developing community based falls prevention programs. The National Council on Aging (NCOA) also has information about evidence based programs. A few of the interventions being conducted in Florida include:
- A Matter of Balance
- Otago
- Stepping On
- Tai JiQuan: Moving for Better Balance (previously known as Tai Chi: Moving for Better Balance)