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Patient Fall Management Top 10 Checklist
1. Do you utilize support rails when you get in and out of the tub or up from the toilet? Put grab bars inside the tub and next to the toilet, or utilize raised toilet seats.
2. Are your pathways through rooms, stairs, and hallways clear of clutter and other obstacles, such as extension cords or furniture? Always keep pathways clear and free of clutter or other trip hazards.
3. Is lighting throughout your house sufficient? Put night-lights in so you can see where you’re walking after dark, and make sure light switches are within easy reach.
4. Are all carpeting, flooring, stair steps, and rugs evenly placed and securely adhered to the surface underneath? Make sure carpeting is firmly secured to all surfaces, floorboards/stairs aren’t loose, and rugs have a grip on the surface below them.
5. Do you utilize aids to daily living to accomplish daily falls risk tasks, such as using a reacher to access objects placed above a reachable height? Use aids to daily living to accomplish daily tasks that might otherwise require movement that can lead to falls.
6. Do you utilize equipment for daily exercise routines, such as cuff weights? The CDC recommends the use of cuff weights to improve balance and gait.
7. Do you utilize commodes, as necessary, to avoid late night bathroom trips? Place commodes at bedside to avoid late night bathroom trips.
8. Do you utilize a high-low bed to limit impact if you were to roll out bed? Low height beds minimize the distance between the patient and the floor.
9. Do you utilize falls mats to limit impact if you were to roll out of bed? Falls mats reduce impact in a fall scenario.
10. Do you utilize a patient lift if you or a resident of your home is partial or non-weight bearing? Use a patient lift for safe transfers.
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