Falls

Falls are one of the most common adverse events in hospitals.

You can fall primarily because of your medical problems, weakness, imbalance, dizziness, age, or the medicines you take. In the unfamiliar environment of a hospital, you can become disoriented or unable to move safely inside your room.

YOU CAN help us in keeping you safe from falling.

Tell us if you have any history of falling so we can take precautions.

Carefully orient yourself inside your room every time you move about. Turn on the main light.

If you are allowed to get off your bed, do so only when it is absolutely needed and always ask for help. Be careful not to knock off or disengage any medical equipment or tubings which are attached to you.

Have the rails of your bed locked when they are raised. And don’t get off or on your bed or wheelchair unless the wheels are locked.

If you are allowed to go to the bathroom, always ask for help. People often fall inside bathrooms, ours or anybody’s.

Your room has limited floor space. Don’t clutter it. Don’t move the furniture around. No personal belongings on the floor, please! No food trays on the floor, either!

If you spill anything on the floor, call Housekeeping immediately.

You have a call button near your bed and in the bathroom. Use it to call for assistance.

Wear non-skid footwear when walking. Socks and stockings are slippery.

If you are an official patient watcher, be always alert. Anticipate your patient’s needs. Never leave your patient alone. Call the nurse first.

In case, your patient should take a fall, BUZZ/CALL for a nurse!

The Medical City supports a fall-free environment. Make sure that you read and understand these reminders. These are for your safety.

Sources:
www.upmc.com
www.ynhh.com/choice/safety.html
www.dh.dryden.on.ca/documents/PatientSafety.pdf
TMC Medical Quality Improvement Office

Note:   This information is not intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical advise, diagnosis or treatment.   If you or someone you know have any of the symptoms mentioned above, it is advisable to seek professional help.

For more information, please call:

CENTER FOR HEALTHY AGING

Tel. No. (632) 988-1000 / (632) 988-7000 ext. 6582

CENTER FOR PATIENT PARTNERSHIP

Tel. No. (632) 988-1000 / (632) 988-7000 ext. 6444