Falls in nursing homes are far too common. According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, half of all nursing home residents fall annually. The consequences of a nursing home fall lead to a poorer quality of life and decreased activity from the resident’s fear of falling.
If you have a loved one in a nursing home, you can take steps to prevent them from falling. Take some time out of your day to ensure your loved ones have a better quality of life.
Check their medications
Most nursing home residents are on medication. However, sometimes doctors do not review medications’ reactions when combined. Compile a list of your loved one’s medications and check with their doctor for adverse reactions.
Install more lighting
Sometimes the lighting in nursing homes is not enough or difficult to access. Put plenty of lighting such as bedside lamps, nightlights and motion-sensing bathroom lights in your loved one’s room. Your primary concern should be easy access and failsafe methods for when they wake up at night.
Improve their communication methods
If the resident’s room does not have enough safety rails, ask the facility if they can install more. Sometimes this is not an option, though. Instead, invest in a device your loved one can keep on them at all times in case they fall. Please ensure they never are in a situation where they cannot contact someone.
You cannot always prevent your loved one from falling in a nursing home. You can lower the risk significantly and increase the safety and quality of life for the nursing home resident in your life.
