Recommendations | Rationale |
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. |