Place patient in bedroom close to nursing station |
Allows for closer observation by greater number of staff |
Place high risk signage (falling star) in bedroom and on outside of room door |
Alerts all staff that patient is at fall risk |
Place fall prevention storyboard (identified risk factors and interventions) on wall in front of patient's bed |
Used to increase staff awareness of patient's care plan.
Used as a teaching aide for patients/families in ways to prevent falls |
Place bed in low position so that knees are at 90 degrees to floor |
Bed position provides maximum safe egress |
Place side rails down on exit side of bed and two split rails up on non-exit side of bed.
If patient exhibits impaired transfers, place head split rail up on exit side of bed and two split rails up on non-exit side of bed |
Protects and directs patient to exit on 'safe side' of bed
Side rail used as 'enabler' (hand-hold) for safe transfers |
Place anti-slip strips on floor where patient exits bed |
Protects patient from slipping on spilled items (urine, feces, blood, water, etc.) |
Place over-the-bed table on non-exit side of bed |
Prevents patient from using table for hand support during transfers |
Place sturdy chairs with armrests and seats no higher or lower than 18 inches. Avoid chairs with wheels. |
Provides maximum support for safe chair egress |
Place commode chair next to bed, on exit side of bed for patients with urinary impairment (e.g., incontinence, nocturia) |
Provides safe option to meet toileting needs |
Keep room illuminated during day
Place 'motion-activated' night light by bed and in bathroom |
Provides greater visibility
Provides safe pathway to bathroom during night |
Place call bell/personal items within reach of patient |
Patient doesn't have to stretch or exit bed to reach items |
IV pole on exit side of bed (tubes/lines not across bed) |
Prevent lines from being pulled out/patient getting tangled in lines |
Bed/chair alarm |
Alarm provides audible alert when patient is attempting to stand
Alarm utilized as an 'assessment tool' to help identify a patient's pattern of bed or chair exits and supervision needs |