Re: Falls

[Holly Sox, RN, RAC-C]

Title: Falls

I usually try to look at the individual, and what is appropriate, realistic and measurable for that person.  We had a resident who died just before Christmas, who had more falls than anyone I have ever seen.  His fall care plan was 4 pages long, just from writing update notes after each fall.  He refused to participate with therapy, removed mobility monitors, disabled sensor pads, etc, etc.  We had numerous meetings with him, the MD and family, and decided that injury avoidance was our best goal.  I had a fantasy of using industrial strength velcro to keep him in the chair. That or bungee cords.   ;-)   Holly Holly F. Sox, RN, RAC-C  Clinical Editor, Careplans.com www.careplans.com [EMAIL PROTECTED] ----- Original Message ----- From: Angie Palac To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, February 16, 2004 7:20 PM Subject: Falls I think this has been addressed before, but I was wondering when a goal is written addressing falls, do people just address that an injury will be prevented, or does the goal address that both fall and injury will be prevented?  Some staff say that a resident has a right to fall.  I feel a resident should not be restrained and therefore, has a right to fall in that respect, hopefully without serious injury.  I feel Staff should also help prevent the resident from falling by making sure call lights are within easy reach, not forgetting to use walker, having proper shoes, etc.  I would like to know what others are doing. Thanks for your help. Angie