Patient Care Plan for Fall Prevention
Every year in the U.S. about one-third of older adults fall, an accident that can be devastating in a variety of ways. Falls can result in serious injuries and death. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that costs associated with falls total about $19 billion a year. An effective fall prevention plan reduces the risk through exercise, medication management, education, vision screening and by creating a safer living environment.
Fall Prevention
A patient care plan for fall prevention works to reduce falls and helps people live longer and healthier. The first step is to determine what's really needed and then set some goals. Figure out what the most important risks are, such as vision problems or physical weakness. Then, a strong fall prevention plan should provide education about the risks of falling. It should also include exercises focused on both strengthening and balance.
A plan for fall prevention can tap into the expertise offered by a variety of individuals to include not only a doctor, but also an optometrist, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, registered nurse, physical therapist, occupational therapist, social worker and exercise instructor. A medication review should be performed by a health-care professional, a vision assessment can be made by an optometrist, and a social worker or occupational therapist can assess home safety.
The plan should outline where and when activities will occur. It can include some activities at home, the hospital or a physical therapy facility. For instance, a medication review can be done in the hospital or at the patient's home. But a proper vision screening must be performed at the optometrist's office.
A careful review of medications is a vital part of a care plan to prevent falls. In a study of residents at three nursing homes, researchers at Johns Hopkins University found that medication changes have a huge impact on falling risks. They found that after a medication change occurred, the risk of falls was three times higher in the days just following the change.
It's not enough to tell a patient to get more exercise to become stronger. A care plan should include specific recommendations on what to do. For example, one popular form of exercise for older adults is tai chi. A study at Oregon Research Institute found that this form of exercise can specifically help to decrease falls by improving balance. A 12-week program emerged called Moving for Better Balance.
Finally, it's key for a professional, such as an occupational therapist, to assess a patient's environment for safety. Besides spotting needed modifications, such as loose carpets and slippery bathrooms, these professionals can suggest assistive and mobility devices as needed.
From education to environmental assessments, the CDC reports that all of these efforts combined in a care plan are proven to prevent falls.
Tags: fall prevention, care plan, found that, occupational therapist, plan should, Fall Prevention, fall prevention plan