Visiting family and friends can also take precautions to decrease a patient’s risk of falling: üü Arrange for patient’s own walking aids to be brought into hospital. üü Make sure the call bell and other important belongings. (glasses, books, etc) are placed within easy reach of the patient. üü Provide non-slip shoes that fit well. üü Report spills immediately. This information was extracted from the brochure, “Falls Prevention, staying on your feet” Australian commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care 2009. üü Making sure your robe is not loose (wrap it around you snugly) Making sure any belts or ties are fastened securely. üü Making sure hems are not too long. üü Always getting out of bed slowly. üü Sit on the side of the bed for a few moments before standing and moving off. üü Moving your feet up and down to get the blood pumping. üü Not grabbing onto anything for support unless it is fixed and sturdy. üü Wearing the appropriate spectacles, if you’re walking around. üü Ensuring your call bell is always close at hand. üü Notifying staff if you require a night light and always turn the light on before you try to get out of bed or walk around. üü Notifying staff if you slip, trip or fall even if you are not hurt. üü Letting staff know if you feel unwell or unsteady on your feet. üü Keeping fluid levels up and ensuring healthy eating. üü Reporting spills immediately. Family and friends are also asked to participate in helping mitigate the risk of a patient falling, while they are in hospital. Family and friends can help by being generally aware of the patient’s condition or any change in their condition, being conscious of obstacles in the environment that could become a trip hazard, and being mindful that the patient’s footwear or clothing could be potential contributors to the patient having a fall when in hospital. If you are visiting a patient and notice that they are unsteady or confused, make sure you alert nursing staff, especially if you notice new episodes of confusion or unsteadiness in the patient, or if you are leaving. pm General Health
Pindara Private Hospital Magazine - Issue Two
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