People who live in a long-term care facility require considerable help from the staff members. The reasons for this vary greatly, so it’s up to the staff at the facility to learn about each resident’s needs. A fall risk assessment should be completed on each resident.
Fall risk assessments enable the staff members to determine what type of assistance the person needs when they move around the facility. People who have a fall risk should have a plan to reduce the chance of a fall happening.
What are Points Considered in the Fall Risk Assessment?
The basic screening tool for fall risk takes several factors into account. A person who’s fallen in the past 180 days is automatically considered to have a high fall risk.
Other points that are considered include:
- Certain diseases, including Parkinson’s or dementia
- Dizziness, including medication-induced dizziness
- Use of restraints, including truck restraint
- Certain medications, including antipsychotic, antianxiety, and antidepressant medications
- Unsteady gait
- Depth perception problems
- Vision or mobility challenges
How Often Should a Nursing Home Assess Fall Risks?
The fall risk assessment isn’t a one-and-done event. Instead, residents will need to be reevaluated periodically. They should also undergo another assessment if they have a significant change in their medical, psychiatric, or mobility profile. The nursing staff at the facility should be vigilant to watch for signs that a resident is at risk of falling. Nursing home neglect can take many forms.
Residents of long-term care facilities who suffer an injury due to a fall should be provided with immediate medical care. These individuals might opt to pursue a claim for compensation if the fall was due to the negligence of the facility’s staff members. Working with someone who’s familiar with these matters can help to reduce the stress associated with this process.
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