FALLS PREVENTION
At Hero Care, we take falls prevention seriously. This page offers a snapshot of our comprehensive Falls Prevention policy, which all our staff undergo extensive training on. Ensuring patient safety, reducing the risk of injury, and understanding how falls occur are at the core of our approach.
What We Do to Prevent Falls:
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Comprehensive Screening: During client onboarding, we screen for fall risk using Hero Care’s version of the CDC’s Fall Questionnaire. This information helps guide our care plans.
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Home Safety Assessments: Our caregivers perform in-depth home assessments to identify hazards like clutter, poor lighting, or slippery floors, making necessary adjustments to reduce fall risks.
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Mobility Support & Devices: We assist clients with mobility challenges and provide guidance on the proper use of assistive devices, such as canes and walkers, to ensure safe movement.
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Exercise & Strength-Building: Our team encourages and supports clients in engaging in regular physical activities tailored to their abilities, which are essential for maintaining strength and balance.
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Health Monitoring: We closely monitor our clients' health, looking for issues like dizziness, fatigue, or side effects from medications that may increase fall risk, and we communicate these to caregivers and family.
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Tailored Care Plans: Each client receives a customized care plan outlining interventions to prevent falls, including addressing mobility, hydration, and appropriate footwear.
What You Can Do as a Caregiver at Home:
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Maintain a Safe Environment: Remove clutter, fix loose rugs, ensure proper lighting, and keep pathways clear of obstacles.
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Encourage Proper Mobility: Ensure your loved one uses assistive devices correctly and consistently to maintain their stability.
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Promote Regular Physical Activity: Engage them in exercises that improve strength and balance, suitable for their abilities.
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Monitor Health & Medication: Watch for health changes, medication side effects, or fatigue, and communicate any concerns with healthcare providers.
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Ensure Appropriate Footwear: Encourage the use of supportive shoes with non-slip soles, even indoors, and avoid walking barefoot or in socks.
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Stay Informed & Communicate: Keep conversations open about fall risks, encouraging slow, deliberate movements and educating your loved one on the importance of using supports when needed.