Fall Prevention

As an inpatient at our Medical Center we want to keep you safe throughout your stay with us. One of the ways we can do this is by teaching you how to avoid falling while you are in the hospital. Here are some reasons why you are more likely to fall while you are in the hospital: You are sick and may feel weak You are in new surroundings You may not be sleeping as well as you do at home If you are over 70, you are more likely to fall You may be taking new medications You may have tubes or machines that keep you from moving around on your own The toilet may be further away than at home The lighting may be different than you are used to You are away from your loved ones The people helping you are unfamiliar to you During your first few days in the hospital, your risk for falling is greater. Here are some tips to help you stay safe: When you get up from the bed or a chair, take your time Before you get up from bed, sit on the side for a few minutes and make sure you don’t get dizzy Learn how to use hospital equipment such as wheelchairs or walkers safely Learn where things are in your hospital room, including the nurse call system Call if you need help getting up or going to the bathroom; use the nurse call system Don’t lean on your bedside table/stand for support; it may roll Go to the bathroom before going to bed at night Give yourself enough time to get to the bathroom Wear proper fitting shoes or non-skid slippers when walking Lock your wheelchair before getting in or out of it Report any spills on the floor Report to staff if you do have a fall VA staff has had special training to help keep you safe. Here are some things we do to help keep you safe: Check on you and make sure you are safe as well as comfortable Orient you to your surroundings Demonstrate the nurse call system and make sure that it is within your reach Complete a risk screen when you are admitted or have a change in condition If you are at risk for a fall you may receive a: Colored armband Star or leaf posted outside your room and/or over your bed Bed that can go low to the floor and a soft mat along the side of it Bed or wheelchair exit alarm Hip padding If you have any safety concerns, please let one of our staff members know right away. With your help, your stay at our VA Medical Center will be a safe one.

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