1Department of Human Services

Stepping into falls prevention

Presentation developed by: Goulburn Valley Health Service

This 16 slide PowerPoint presentation is a simplified version of the booklet and is specific to residential aged care services. Although a PowerPoint presentation may not be suitable for resident education, the presentation can help structure informal discussions with residents and can be used to prepare overheads or posters.

(Downloadable)

In 2009 the Department of Health funded Northern Health, in conjunction with National Ageing Research Institute, to review falls prevention resources for the Department of Health’s website. The materials used as the basis of this generic resource were developed by Goulburn Valley Health under a Service Agreement with the Department of Human Services, now the Department of Health. This and other resources to maintain health and wellbeing of older people are available from www.health.vic.gov.au/agedcare.

Stepping into falls prevention

A simple guide to preventing falls in residential aged care facilities

Why is falls prevention important?

It is estimated that half the people in

residential care facilities fall each year. Many

falls can be prevented and there are many

things that you can do to help prevent falls.

This presentation has been designed to teach

you what you can do to help prevent falls.

What can you do?

Seeing and hearing well Keep your glasses in reach

Remember to wear your glasses

Remember to wear your hearing aid

Turn your light on at night before you get up so that you can see where you are going

Getting up to walk

Sit on your bed for a short time before getting up

Remember to get up slowly and make sure you are steady before moving off

If you have a walking aid make sure that you use it correctly

If you are having problems with walking please tell your nurse or care staff, we can arrange for a physiotherapist or your doctor to assess and treat you

Walking aids

If you have a walking aid, remember to use it

Make sure you know how to use your walking aid correctly

Have your walking aid within reach at all times

Going to the toilet

Don’t rush to the toilet

Tell your nurse or care staff if you are having

problems with your bladder or bowels

We can arrange for your doctor to check you or for

a continence nurse to advise you on continence

pads or other continence aids

Feeling dizzy or unwell

If you feel dizzy or unsteady please tell your nurse or care staff

Don’t wait to ask for help when you need it

Do not try to get up or walk if you feel dizzy

Shoes and feet

Wear properly fitting shoes with non-slip soles

Properly fitting shoes are much safer than slippers

Do not wear socks without shoes

If you are having problems with your feet we can arrange for your doctor or podiatrist to assess and treat you

Eating and drinking

It is important to have a balanced diet and

plenty of fluids, especially in hot weather

Make sure that you follow your doctor’s or

dietitian’s advice

If you are having problems with chewing,

swallowing, or with your appetite, please

tell your nurse or care worker

Staying active

Staying active helps to reduce falls

Try to stay active but do not take risks

It is important that you do any exercises that are given to you by your physiotherapist or doctor

Tai Chi and walking are very effective in helping to reduce falls

Healthy bones and sunshine

Vitamin D is necessary to keep your bones

healthy

To get enough vitamin D, you need to

spend 20 minutes in direct sunlight 4-6

times per week (Vitamin D cannot be

absorbed through a window)

If you do not get enough sun a vitamin

supplement may be necessary

Hip protectors

Hip protectors can be used to protect people who have weak muscles and bones, and people who have many falls

Hip protectors are plastic shields that slip into pockets in specially made underwear

If you want more information about hip protectors ask your nurse, care worker or physiotherapist

Medications

Taking medications is often part of life, however,

problems with medications can cause falls

It is important that you take the medications

prescribed by your doctor

If you are having problems with any of your

medications please tell your nurse or care

worker and they can arrange for a review of

your medications

What to do if you fall

Stay calm

Decide if you will try to get up

If you can’t get up try to keep warm

Make a loud noise to get help

Always tell someone if you have had a

fall even if you don’t hurt yourself

Thank you for working with us to prevent falls

Acknowledgement

In 2009 the Department of Health funded Northern Health, in conjunction with National Ageing Research Institute, to review falls prevention resources for the Department of Health’s website. The materials used as the basis of this generic resource were developed by Goulburn Valley Health under a Service Agreement with the Department of Human Services, now the Department of Health. This and other resources to maintain health and wellbeing of older people are available from www.health.vic.gov.au/agedcare.