Nurses and nursing assistants at The Village at Marymount face many challenges each day as they deliver patient care. One of the biggest challenge is preventing falls among their residents. With this thought in mind, nurses and nursing assistants must be fully aware of possible environmental risks within their unit or department.
The National Aging Research Institute offers some suggestions to prevent falls:
• Flooring - should be dry and not heavily waxed. Avoid slipperiness and high glare. Use rubber matting, rugs with non-skid backing, and tack down loose carpet
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• Stairs - need to be well lit with a light switch at the top and bottom of the staircase. Worn stair treads should be replaced and non-slip adhesive strips placed on step edges.
• Bathroom - use rubber mats on the floor, in the shower and in the bath. Avoid door locks. If unable to stand for long periods, place a seat in the shower or bath.
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• Bedroom - lock bed wheels. Avoid loose rugs. Ideal bed height is 45 centimeters from the mattress to the floor
• Obstacles - beware of moving the furniture, children's toys, shoes left on the floor, grandchildren or pets playing. Ensure the pathway to the toilet is unobstructed.
To protect yourself and others, remove potential hazards, or report any public hazards to the appropriate authority. If you have concerns about falls and balance, please consult your family doctor.