Fall Management

Reducing fall risks in senior care settings requires a proactive approach tailored to each patient's needs. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are the leading cause of injury-related death among adults aged 65 and older, with the age-adjusted fall death rate increasing by 41% from 2012 to 2021.¹ Implementing prevention-first strategies can enhance safety while maintaining patients' dignity and mobility.

Falls from beds can be serious, but smart design choices help reduce the risk:

• Bolstered mattresses and raised edges help prevent roll-outs.
• A comfortable mattress limits tossing, reducing chances of falling.
• A firm edge offers a stable transfer surface and reminds users of the bed’s boundary.
• Low beds reduce injury risk from falls.
• Wider beds provide more room to move, lowering roll-out risk.
• Use the preprogrammed transfer height on select beds for additional safety and convenience.

Falls often stem from poor positioning, instability, or fatigue. The right adjustments can improve safety:

• Tilt-in-space chairs redistribute weight to prevent forward falls.
• Anterior tilt & low seat height promote secure, stable sitting.
• Wedge/anti-thrust cushions support proper pelvic alignment.
• Full-length armrests offer better support when standing.

Improper transfers can injure both residents and caregivers. OSHA recommends using equipment that offloads weight to reduce risk.

• Sit-to-stand and full body lifts support safe resident transfers and help prevent falls.
• Wedge or contoured cushions reduce sliding from poor posture, aiding fall prevention.
• Floor lifts improve transfer safety and protect caregivers from strain.

Bathroom safety can be improved with products like toilet risers, safety frames, grab bars, and shower chairs, all designed to support safe movement and reduce fall risks during toileting and bathing.

• Toilet risers can aid in egress and ingress
• Toilet safety frames offer additional support and stability on both sides of the toilet. Similarly, grab bars offer the same benefits and can be easily installed in showers, tubs, or near toilets.
• Bath benches and shower chairs allow safe and comfortable seating during bathing.

¹  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. National Center for Health Statistics. National Vital Statistics System, Mortality 1999–2021 on CDC WONDER Online Database. Accessed January 24, 2023.