Fall Prevention Inpatient Guide

Who is at risk of falls?

Most patients are at risk of falls while staying in a hospital ward, including you!

Why am I at risk of falls?

No matter how fit or healthy you were before your operation or illness, in hospital you can be at risk of falls because of:

• Your illness or condition, e.g. fracture or stroke

• Medication

• The effects of anaesthesia after an operation

• Equipment e.g. dangling cables and tubes such as IV lines, catheters and pumps

• Lack of sleep

• Disorientation from staying in a new place

Why are falls a concern?

Falls can cause painful bruises and serious injuries such as:

• Broken wrists

• Hip fractures

• Head injuries

A hip fracture or head injury could leave you disabled or even cause death.

Having a fall can affect your recovery and delay your discharge.

If you are wearing a GREEN wrist band you are at high risk of falls. Please take extra care and follow the advice in this

Things

You Should Do

Use the call button to ask for help if you feel dizzy or need to go to the toilet.

Sit up and stand up slowly. Your blood pressure can drop suddenly making you dizzy if you get up too quickly.

Wear fitting shoes with non-slip soles.

Allow the nurse to be by your side when needed, such as when going to the toilet.

Eat your meals. This will build up your strength and help you recover faster.

Family and carers: please tell a staff member when you are leaving your loved one.

Things You Should Not Do

Do not try to get out of bed without help or climb over the bed rails.

Do not stand on the footrest of a commode chair. It will fall over.

Do not leave the ward unaccompanied.

Do not lower the bed rails.

Do not try to pick up items beyond your reach.

Wear Safe Clothing

Pajamas pants should be ankle length or shorter.

If your pants are too long, roll up the bottoms until they are ankle length. Ask a nurse or relative to help if you are unable to do it.

Long and loose clothing can cause you to trip and fall.

Yishun Health is a network of medical institutions and health facilities of the National Healthcare Group in the north of Singapore. It comprises Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, Yishun Community Hospital and community extensions such as Admiralty Medical Centre and Wellness Kampung. Khoo Teck Puat Hospital • (65) 6555 8000 • www.ktph.com.sg

Yishun Community Hospital • (65) 6807 8800 • www.yishuncommunityhospital.com.sg

The information is correct at the time of printing and subject to revision without further notice.