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6

Medications oor balance, Weak
ait, muscles

oordination,
M
 erky Diseases low
muscles reaction
time
 oor nsafe ootwear
control of area
body
functions
 o Broken ast falls
answers to equipment and fear of
calls for falling
help
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ther special fall risk care items that should be in the care plan
for fall risk patients and residents, as needed, are:

‡Low beds
‡
hanging the patient's medications, when possible, to lower the
risk of dizziness, sleepiness and/or blood pressure changes. The
doctor makes this decision.
‡More frequent patient monitoring and observation
‡sing protective, gym type, mats on the floor next to the bed to
lower the risk and extent of injury if a patient falls in spite of all
efforts
‡Balance, gait, muscle and/or range of motion exercises and
training
‡6ssistive devices, such as canes, walkers and Merry Walkers
‡High toilet seats
6ll patients must have a safe room and patient care
area that is:

‡Well lit and with no glare

‡Kept clean, dry and uncluttered
‡kid proof and dry
‡
quipped with handrails and grab bars, especially in
the bathrooms and in areas where patients walk, like
the hallways
‡illed with stable and sturdy chairs at a good height
and with armrests to assist the patient or resident
with standing
‡ree of wires, cords and other tripping hazards
6ll patients must also have:

‡Their need for independence and freedom balanced

with their safety needs
‡requent monitoring and observation to prevent
falls
‡turdy, non skid shoes and footwear
‡6 workable nurse call bell that is always within reach
and that is promptly answered
‡nstruction about changing position slowly and being
alert to safety risks
‡Their bed at the lowest possible level
‡Toileting, fluid and food needs anticipated for and
promptly met
Many elderly patients and residents also need:

‡6 bedside commode nearby so they can safely use it

‡6dequate and easy to reach assistive devices, such as
walkers or canes. f the patient needs assistance with
these devices, nurses and nursing assistants must give
them the help they need.
‡amps to safely enter and leave a building without using
stairs. n the home, wheelchair lifts are sometimes used if
the person lives in a twostory house.
‡roperly fitting eyeglasses that are easily reached or
provided to them by the nursing assistant or nurse