As the industry evolves and resident acuity increases, there has been one constant. Resident falls have remained the number one type of claim in regards to
frequency. It is true that all seniors are at risk for falls to varying degrees. However, the fact that we cannot prevent all falls does not relieve us of from
the duty to manage them. A good mobility management program begins with proactively addressing falls in your comprehensive assessment and addressing falls as
they occur. We recommend that you incorporate questions similar to those listed on the Mobility Assessment and Interventions Tool*. For each risk factor
identified, there are suggested interventions listed within the tool and instructions on how to implement them.
Multiple factors increase fall risks and many seniors have co-morbid risk factors making assessments and interventions imperative in controlling fall exposures.
Common risk factors in seniors that can lead to falls include: cardiovascular, neuromuscular, infections, orthopedic, perceptual, psychiatric / cognitive, and
environmental factors. An effective Fall Risk Matrix* can show risk factors, methods to evaluate and assess the factors, and recommended interventions.
Depending on the particular risk factors identified during assessments there are various tools and resources designed to target those specific risk factors.
On the Mobility Challenge / Fall Risk Planning Tool* is a list of 30 interventions to consider depending on the cause of the fall.
As you assess and intervene with residents to reduce the risk of falls documentation of your efforts is important in your ultimate defense of any claims that may
arise. Communities must also do a much better job of managing the expectations of family members when it comes to falls. The most significant predictor of falls
is balance confidence. Historically, residents who have lower confidence in their balance have more falls, and also more severe falls. Pay attention to
conversations with residents when it comes to their balance confidence.
If you need assistance with your THOMCOUniversity user name, password, or company identification number send an e-mail to
HelpDesk@thomcoins.com. If you need more information on fall topics discussed above please send requests to
Bill.Coons@thomcoins.com or call Bill at 1-888-546-4042.
*Available on www.thomcouniversity.com
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