Falls
The incidence of falls-related injury places a huge burden on the health service and has wider ramifications for the quality of life of those who have suffered as a result. Of those over 65 years, one in three will suffer a fall, with this rising to one in two of those over 85 years. Fractures are common and may lead to recuced mobility and increasing mortality with falls associated deaths as high as 14,000 per year in the UK. Of equal importance is the subsequent fear of falling, which can cause a reduction in mobility, social isolation and a greatly reduced quality of life.
Capturing patients who have fallen for the first time allows us to refer patients to the developing falls teams who can provide a range of supportive measures to prevent the patient from falling in the future. Falls are common in older people. Around 30% of people aged 65 years of age or older have a fall each year. This increases to 50% in people of 80 years or older. By minimising the risk of falls, we can minimise the likelihood of fractures in the future.
A number of risk factors have been identified which increase the risk of falling:
- Conditions which affect mobility or balance such as arthritis, stroke, Parkinson's, heart failure or irregular heart rhythms
- Visual impairment
- Cognitive impairment
- Urinary incontinence
- Excessive consumption of alcohol
- Frailty
- Taking more than four medications
- Other medications such as sleeping tablets and anti-depressants
- Drugs that can cause lowering of blood pressure
However, the strongest risk factor for a fall is a previous fall. It is therefore vital that all non injury falls are reviewed and that the patients GP is aware so that effective referral to the relevant falls prevention services can be made.
Preventing Falls
We have developed the following interactive tools and checklist documents in conjunction with care providers for them to use within their own organisations as appropriate.
Preparing your team to prevent falls:
Falls cause serious pain and anguish and in most cases they are preventable. However, you and your team can do some simple things that will make a massive difference to the lives of the people you care for. Below the video you will find a link to a self assessment form to use to ensure you are best placed to prevent falls.
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Risk assessment checklist: Welcoming a new resident, and identifying those most at risk
Preventing falls identifying the people most at risk:
At the heart of any falls prevention plan is the individual you are caring for. How should you spot the people most at risk in your care?
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Prevention of falls: Establishing a safe environment:
It is important to provide an environment where the risks of falls are reduced. What can you do? Below the video you will find a link to a staff assessment form to use to ensure your staff are aware of their requirements in this area.
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Preventing falls: The power of exercise:
A programme that strengthens muscles and improves balance will significantly reduce the risk of a fall, and a tailored exercise programme should be part of every falls prevention plan.
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Preventing falls: The power of exercise:
A programme that strengthens muscles and improves balance will significantly reduce the risk of a fall, and a tailored exercise programme should be part of every falls prevention plan.
[VIDEO TO BE ADDED]
Post Falls Assessment
We have developed the following interactive tools and checklist documents in conjunction with care providers for them to use within their own organisations as appropriate.
How to assess someone who has fallen:
If somebody you care for has a fall, you need to decide whether it is possible to move or lift them and if it is necessary to call for an ambulance. The Post Falls Guidance Pack for Care Providers will help you decide the best course of action.
How to help someone who has fallen:
When somebody you care for has fallen, but there is no obvious injury, here are some tips to safely help them to bed or a suitable position. Below the video you can find a link to a staff assessment form to use to ensure your staff are aware of their requirements in this area.
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What to do after you have dealt with a fall:
Once you have got the person who had a fall on to a bed or into a suitable position, what do you need to do next? Below the video you can find a link to a staff assessment form to use to ensure your staff are aware of their requirements in this area.
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