2. Falls are a Problem
Increased falls not only affect the facility, but the
family too.
Do you know someone that has fallen?
Were there any injuries?
How was the experience while they
recuperated?
Falls affect quality of life of the elderly.
Costs the facility money.
Can cause possible death.
3. Definitions of Fall
To drop or descend under the force of
gravity, as to a lower place through loss or
lack of support (dictionary.com).
A fall is an unintentional loss of balance
causing one to make unexpected contact
with the ground or floor (agrilife.org).
4. The Facts
One out of three adults (age 65 or older) fall each
year.
Among older adults, falls are the leading cause of
both fatal and non-fatal injuries
In 2010, 2.3 nonfatal injuries were treated in the
ED, more than 662,000 were hospitalized.
(CDC, 2014)
5. The Facts Cont.
20-30% people suffer moderate to severe injuries.
In 2010, 21,700 older adults died from
unintentional fall injuries.
Death rate has risen over the last decade
(CDC, 2014)
6. Cost of Falls
Fall related injuries is one of the 20 most
expensive medical conditions.
The direct medical cost of falls, adjusted to
inflation was $30 million in 2010.
By 2020 cost related to falls will rise to $67.7
billion.
7. Risk of Falls
Fractures:
Spine
Hip
Forearm
leg
Ankle
Pelvis
Upper arm
Hand
(CDC, 2014)
Subdural hematomas
Excessive bleeding
Death
8. Risk Factors
Lower body weakness
Difficulty with gait or
balance
Medication
Dizziness
Poor vision
Problems with
footwear
Postural hypotension
Fear of falling
Tripping hazards
Improper use of
assistive devices
Poor lighting
Diabetes
9. Falls in Spring Hill Village
A look at House B
Jan Feb Mar Apr Total
Days 0 3 3 0 15
Evening 3 1 1 0
Nights 1 0 2 1
Total 4 4 6 1
BUnit Falls
0
1
2
3
4
Jan Feb Mar Apr
NumberofFalls
Falls chart by shift
Days
Evening
Nights
10. Prevention Interventions
Pain: Are you in pain?
Check for non-verbal indications of pain.
CNA- Notify Nurse if resident is in pain.
Provide any non-pharmacological pain
relief as needed
Potty: Do you need to use the
bathroom?
Does their brief need changing?
Do they use the urinal or bedpan?
Position: Are you comfortable?
Rearrange any pillows or blankets.
Do they need an extra blanket?
Do they need turning, use of ulcer
pressure devices; boots, wedges, etc.
Possessions: Are bedside items within
reach?
Kleenex, water pitcher filled, call light
within reach
Prevention: Is floor mat in place?
Bed/chair alarm in place and working?
Is body pillow/noodle in place?
Is the resident agitated?
Are they exhibiting exit-seeking
behaviors?
Do they need redirection or distraction?
12. Rounds will be individualized for each shift.
Return demonstrations so we are all on the same boat.
Each shift will know what they have to do.
Think about it…..the resident will get more attention.
Less falls makes the unit look better.
The falls we cost less for the facility.
Happy patient(families)=Happy staff
Last but not least……we don’t want our veteran to pass because
of falls.
13. Check-Off
Date:___________________
Name:_________________________________
Department:____________________________
Evaluator:______________________________
COMMENTS
Yes No Yes No
INTRODUCTIONS
Knock on door prior to entering - ask permission
Manage up your skill or that of your co-worker
Use good eye contact
EXPLAIN HOURLY ROUNDING UPON ADMISSION
Explain the purpose of hourly rounding (initial visit)
Use key words "very good" care
Describe rounding schedule (6am-8pm q1hr / 8pm - 6am q2hr.)
ADDRESS ENVIRONMENT
Clutter free environment, Use of Mats
PERFORM SCHEDULED TASKS
Complete MD ordered treatments, procedures
Complete nursing care as needed
Administer schedule medications
Update nursing plan of care/ goals for patient
CLOSING
We will round again in an hour
Is there anything else that I can do for you? I have the time
Document your rounding on rounding log
SIGNATURE
SELF ASSES EVALUATOR
Hourly Rounding Competency Checklist
Spring Hill B Unit
17. Conclusion
Falls is a current issue in the US and it affects both the facility and
family.
The result of falls causes injuries to patient and cost money to the
facility.
The purpose of rounding is to benefit us and the residents by:
Preventing less stress to family.
Increasing performance scores.
Preventing hospitalizations.
Decreasing expenses made from the facility.
Improving quality of life and well being.
So lets get this ball rolling and decrease our falls in SPRING HILL!!!!
18.
19. References
AgriLife.org. (2013). Fall prevention for older adults. Retrieved from
http://fcs.tamu.edu/families/aging/fall_prevention/what_is_a_fall.php.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2014). Older adult falls. Retrieved
from http://www.cdc.gov/HomeandRecreationalSafety/Falls/adultfalls.html.
Dictionary.com. (2014). Fall. Retrieved from
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/fall.
