Falls Prevention
Preventing Falls In the Ward
Did you know? • One in three elderly in Singapore over the age of 65 years old fall at least once a year • One in two elderly above 80 years old fall in a year • Most falls take place at home • A fall is likely to occur again if you have fallen before • A fall could break or fracture bones and affect your ability to walk • A fall causes injuries and sometimes death The good news is most falls can be prevented. This guide shares with you some of the common causes of falls and how you can prevent them
In the hospital Most falls in the hospital occur from or near a patient’s bed. The risk is also high when patients are walking along the corridor or on their way to the toilet. This brochure shares with you tips on how to safeguard yourself against falls.
Do not climb over the bedrail to get out of bed
Do not lower the bedrail on your own or get out of bed without supervision
Do not use the over-bed table as a walking aid
Do not retrieve items beyond your reach
Do not stand on the foot rest of a commode chair
Always call for assistance if you need help
Always get off the bed with a nurse’s help
Allow a nurse to be by your side at all times
Change position gradually from lying down to standing up. Sudden changes in body position can cause falls
Wear non-skid footwear
Problem/condition
What to do
Drowsiness from certain medications or after surgery
• Stay in bed with bed rails raised at all times • Do not climb out of bed • Use a call bell for assistance • Ask for help if you feel unwell or unstable, but need to use the toilet
Giddiness due to high or low blood pressure
• Take your time to change from one position to another to prevent postural hypotension • Sit immediately if you feel giddy while standing or walking • Do not get out of bed/wheelchair/commode/ toilet seat alone. Allow our nurse to be by your side during transfers • Use a call bell for assistance
Frequency or urgency in passing urine, need to stand up to pass urine or experiencing diarrhoea
• Discuss your toilet needs with our nurse, for example voiding time, use of commode/urinal
Difficulty in standing and/or walking
• Use the walking aid(s) as advised
• Use the call bell for assistance if you experience drowsiness or weakness • Have someone stay with you
• Do not lean on your bedside table for support. It has wheels and you could topple over • Use a call bell for assistance • Wear shoes with non-slip soles that fit you well • Use a walking aid for balance and support to move around
For more information Ng Teng Fong General Hospital and Jurong Community Hospital 1 Jurong East St 21, Singapore 609606 General enquiries: 6716 2000 Fax: 6716 5500 www.juronghealth.com.sg Clinical and appointment line hours (closed on Sundays and public holidays) For appointments, please call 6716 2222 Monday - Friday 8.00am - 5.30pm, Saturday 8.00am - 12.30pm For dental appointments, please call 6716 2233 Monday - Thursday 8.00am - 5.30pm, Friday 8.00am - 5.00pm
By train Jurong East MRT Station By bus From Jurong East Bus Interchange SBS 51, 52, 66, 78, 79, 97, 97e, 98, 98M, 105, 143, 143M, 160, 183, 197, 333, 334, 335, 506 Along Boon Lay Way SBS 99, Private bus service 625 Disclaimer: The information in this brochure is meant for educational purposes and should not be used as substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment. Please seek your doctor’s advice before starting any treatment or if you have any questions related to your health, physical fitness or medical condition.
Copyright Š JurongHealth B E 057-13 November 2013 Updated June 2015
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