Top 10 Best Practices for Preventing Falls in Home Health Settings

Falls among elderly individuals, especially those receiving home health care, pose significant risks to their health and independence. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are a leading cause of injury and death among older adults. However, with proper precautions and proactive measures, many falls can be prevented.

Here are the top 10 best practices for preventing falls in home health settings:

Where Do You Start?

Begin with a thorough evaluation of the patient's living space. Identify and address potential hazards such as: loose rugs, slippery floors, inadequate lighting, and cluttered pathways. Regularly reassess the environment as the patient's needs evolve. While you're doing this, something you need to think about too is: Is your home health agency staff ready to handle emergencies? Of course, the answer should always be yes, but if not, this is all the more reason to make sure this evaluation passes with flying colors.

Medication Review and Management Next, be sure to conduct a comprehensive review of the patient's medications to identify any that may increase the risk of falls, such as sedatives, hypnotics, or medications that cause dizziness or orthostatic hypotension. Work closely with the patient's healthcare team to adjust dosages or even explore alternative medications as needed. Be sure to adjust any differences within the home health software used by the agency, as this will carry over to the rest of the care team, and is extremely important. Individualized Exercise Programs Something else you could do is design personalized exercise programs tailored to the patient's needs and abilities. Be sure to focus on improving strength, balance, and flexibility through a variety of exercises, including strength training, Tai Chi, yoga, and walking; and always collaborate with physical therapists to develop and monitor the effectiveness of these programs. Assistive Device Provision Provide appropriate assistive devices to enhance mobility and safety within the home. This may include grab bars, handrails, shower chairs, raised toilet seats, and non-slip mats. You'll need to ensure proper installation and accessibility of these devices to support the patient's independence. Footwear Assessment and Recommendations Evaluate the patient's footwear for proper fit, support, and traction. Encourage the use of sturdy, non-slip footwear both indoors and outdoors to reduce the risk of slips and falls. You should also discourage walking barefoot or in socks, especially on smooth surfaces. Home Modification Guidance Offer guidance on home modifications to create a safer and more accessible living environment. This may involve installing ramps, stairlifts, motion-activated lighting, and lever-handled faucets. Again, always collaborate with occupational therapists and home modification specialists to implement these changes effectively. Education and Empowerment Knowledge is everything! Educate patients, caregivers, and family members about fall prevention strategies and risk factors. Provide resources and training on how to identify potential hazards, recognize warning signs of falls, and respond appropriately. Empower individuals to take an active role in their own safety and well-being. Regular Monitoring and Documentation Establish a system for regular monitoring of the patient's mobility, balance, and fall risk. To stay organized, use EMR for homecare to document assessments, interventions, and outcomes. Maintain accurate records to facilitate continuity of care and communication among healthcare providers. Nutritional Support and Hydration Management Promote a well-balanced diet and adequate hydration to optimize overall health and reduce the risk of falls related to weakness, dizziness, or dehydration. Speak with your patient's dietitians and nutritionists to address any nutritional deficiencies or dietary concerns that may contribute to falls. Collaborative Care Coordination Participate in collaboration among healthcare providers, caregivers, and family members to coordinate care and implement a multidisciplinary approach to fall prevention. It's important to facilitate open communication and information sharing to ensure that everyone involved in the patient's care is aligned with fall prevention goals and strategies.