Fall Prevention in Nursing Homes

All nursing homes should have fall prevention strategies in place. When a new resident is admitted, staff should create a care plan specific to that individual to ensure their safety. Those in charge of resident or patient care at a nursing home or other long-term residential facility are responsible for updating these care plans regularly to prevent falls. They should consistently assess a resident’s history of falls, mental health, sensory deficits, and balance to ensure the continuing efficacy of the care plan.

Staff should also make sure your loved one has:

• Easy access to personal items
• Correctly fitting clothing and shoes
• Assistive devices in good condition

Family members can schedule regular care plan meetings to ensure that their loved one’s needs are being met. Visiting or calling your loved one often can help ensure the long-term care facility consistently adheres to these practices, that your family member is adequately cared for, and that any concerns are addressed quickly and appropriately.

Ultimately, the responsibility of preventing falls rests on the nursing home tasked with caring for your loved one, but you can keep the facility accountable by reporting injuries and signs of negligence, neglect, or abuse.