Study Notes on Falls and Safety in Care Settings

Overview of Falls in Care Settings

• Falls are noted as the most common accidents occurring across various environments including:
  • Homes
  • Long-term care facilities
  • Assisted living environments
  • Outdoor settings (e.g., slippery roads)

Major Causes and Factors Contributing to Falls

• Adequate Lighting

  • Poor lighting contributes to increased falls.
  • Confusion due to low light can lead to accidents.

• Environmental Clutter

  • Presence of clutter or throw rugs can obstruct pathways.
  • Improper placement of furniture leading to tripping hazards.

• Wet and Slippery Surfaces

  • Floors in bathrooms and showers can be hazardous when wet, especially after bathing.
  • Not attending to dry wet surfaces increases fall risk for both residents and caregivers.

Timing and Patterns of Falls

• Times of Increased Fall Risk

  • Falls often occur between 6 PM to 9 PM (1800 to 2100 hours).
    • Confusion may occur as residents adapt from daylight to nighttime.
  • Early morning falls (6 AM to 9 AM) are also common.
    • Residents may need to use restrooms at these times, increasing fall incidences.

• Personal Observations

  • Experience shared about a fall occurring shortly before leaving work, emphasizing busy times heightening risk.

Client Identification Procedures

• Multi-step Identification Process

  • Confirm the identity of each client through at least two identifiers:
    • Knock on the door and wait for a response.
    • If no response, cautiously check the room for the client’s condition.
  • If the client is in a facility without ID bracelets, visually verify their name against records and your assignment sheet.
  • Ask the resident to state their full name and date of birth as a secondary form of identification.
    • Important for ensuring accurate identification, especially in cases of confusion or cognitive issues.

• Use of Visual Aids

  • Photographs outside rooms can help staff accurately identify residents, especially when they might be confused or have altered appearances.
  • Cross-reference any fall incidents with pictures to ensure correct identification.

Call Bell Safety Devices

• Importance of Call Bells

  • Call bells are crucial for resident safety, located:
    • Beside beds
    • In washrooms
    • Nearby couches
  • Typically, two to three call bells are used per facility, featuring various designs, such as:
    • Full units connected to intercom systems
    • Cordless devices used by staff for communication about alerts.

• Resident Education on Usage

  • Residents are instructed on the proper usage of call bells, including where to find them and how to call for assistance.
  • Staff must remind residents regularly on how to use this device to ensure safety.

• Proper Placement of Call Bells

  • Call bells should be positioned within the resident's reach and tailored to their needs (e.g., strong side availability).
  • Leaving a call bell placed inappropriately (e.g., on the injured side) increases fall risk.

• Response to Call Bells

  • Staff should respond promptly to all call bell notifications, avoiding assumptions that inaccuracies are intentional misfires.
  • Failing to answer a call bell can be classified as negligence or emotional abuse, emphasizing the need for diligent care practices.