Fall Prevention
Sometimes illness or lack of familiarity with hospital surroundings can put you at risk for falls. The following suggestions may help prevent a fall during your hospital stay:
- Follow your physician’s and nurse’s instructions regarding whether you must stay in bed or call for assistance when you need to get up.
- Change positions slowly (from lying to sitting, sitting to standing).
- When walking, always wear slippers with non-skid soles.
- When you need to get up, always call for help if you feel weak, dizzy, or lightheaded. Remain lying down or seated while waiting for assistance. At times, minutes may seem like hours, but please be patient; someone will come as soon as possible.
- If you have to go to the bathroom frequently, if possible call before your need is urgent, to give us time to respond to you.
- Use the call switch in the bathroom if you become weak or need assistance to get back to your bed.
- Be careful of telephone and other cords that could be a tripping hazard. Leave the telephone on the bedside table and cord out of the way when not in use.
- Notify nursing staff if a spill occurs on the floor. Avoid walking on a wet floor.
- If you are unable to get up, ask to have objects you will need within easy reach.
- Never attempt to climb over the side rails of the bed. Use your call button for help.
- Walk closely to a wall, use handrails when available, and lean into the wall if you feel faint or weak. Remember that sitting or lying down for long periods of time and certain medications may make you feel dizzy.
Based on your medical history, a colored star will be placed on the outside of your door alerting staff to your risk of falls. This is an additional way to help prevent patient falls.
Green Star = low fall risk
Yellow Star = medium fall risk
Red Star = high fall risk