Resident Safety: Fall Prevention in Long-Term Care

As trusted health experts, Prime Care Pharmacy is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our community. Falls are a critical concern in long-term care settings, where ensuring resident safety is a top priority. By leveraging effective strategies, staff training, and personalized care plans, falls can be prevented and safety enhanced for elderly residents.

Understanding Fall Risk Factors 

Falls are one of the leading causes of injury among seniors, often resulting in broken bones, hospital visits, and prolonged recovery periods. According to the CDC, one in four adults aged 65 and older falls each year; these falls result in approximately 3 million emergency department visits annually, with over 950,000 hospitalizations.  

In long-term care facilities, residents face additional challenges, such as mobility limitations, chronic health conditions, and medication side effects. Addressing these fall risk factors is essential to ensuring resident safety and improving quality of life.

Practical Tips for Fall Prevention

We believe in equipping our community with actionable tips to implement into daily life to keep people safe, including ways to prevent falls. 

Here are some practical measures everyone can take:

• Medication Management: Certain medications can cause dizziness or drowsiness, increasing fall risk. Regular consultations with your Prime Care pharmacist can help identify and address these side effects. Always follow prescribed dosages and discuss concerns promptly. 
• Home Safety Modifications: Enhance resident safety by installing grab bars, ensuring proper lighting, and eliminating clutter. Non-slip mats, bed alarms, and other forms of assistive technology can also provide additional security.
• Wearing the Right Footwear: Shoes with non-skid soles, proper fit, and good support play a crucial role in stability. Avoid walking in socks or slippers that lack grip.
• Physical Activity and Balance Exercises: Strengthening muscles through activities like tai chi or yoga improves balance and coordination, directly reducing fall risk factors. Even light daily activities can significantly promote mobility and confidence among elderly residents.
• Use Assistive Devices When Needed: Don’t hesitate to use assistive technology like walking sticks, canes, or walkers for added support. Prime Care Pharmacy can guide you in selecting the best assistive devices.

Additional Strategies for Reducing Fall Risk

Beyond individual efforts, it’s essential to foster a supportive environment. Encourage open communication among family members and caregivers to address mobility concerns early. Creating a fall-prevention action plan with input from healthcare professionals can add a personalized layer of safety.

Environmental awareness is equally vital. To identify potential hazards, consider community spaces, such as sidewalks and store entrances. Small changes, like avoiding uneven paths or ensuring appropriate lighting in shared areas, can go a long way.

Prime Care Pharmacy: Your Partner in Fall Prevention

At Prime Care, we offer consultations to help you understand how your medications might impact your residents and patients and what adjustments can be made to minimize risks. 

By taking proactive steps and leveraging Prime Care’s support, you can maintain your independence and reduce the likelihood of falls. Together, let’s prioritize safety and well-being.

For more information on our advanced LTC pharmacy services, visit our website at The Midwest's Trusted LTC Pharmacy | Prime Care Pharmacy.