What you can do to prevent falls while in the Hospital
Falls are not just the result of getting older. Many falls can be prevented. Falls are usually caused by a number of things. By changing some of these things, you can lower your chances of falling.
- Keep cane, walker, or other assistive device within reach.
- Call nurse for assistance when you need to get up.
- When moving from one position to another, such as either from the bed to sitting or from a chair to standing,
the person should pause for a couple of moments to let the blood pressure adjust and to orient to the new position.
- Wear non-slip shoes or slippers when walking in the room or hallway. Please don't walk barefoot or only in sock or stocking clad feet.
- When walking in the hallway, please notice that handrails are available for use if you feel weak or dizzy.
- Please do not get up without assistance or without notifying a nurse if you have had any pain medication or sleeping medication within the last 4 hours.
- When moving from a dark to bright-lighted environment or the reverse, the person should pause a second to allow the eyes to accommodate to the change in light.
- Bedside commodes are available if you have any difficulty ambulating to the bathroom, or are on fluid pills, or have trouble controlling your bladder.
- Keep the room free of clutter. Closets and bedside tables are available for your personal belongings.
- If you feel weak or dizzy and feel like you are going to pass out, ease yourself down to a sitting position until help arrives.
