Falls and accidents are common occurrences within aged care facilities. However, nursing homes should still implement practices that reduce and mitigate these risks. In doing so, they can improve the quality of resident’s lives by reducing injuries, while encouraging their residents to maintain a fit and active lifestyle (within reason depending on the resident). In this article, The Good Shepherd discusses some of the best safety precautions to put in place in order to prevent falls and accidents in nursing home care.
Maintaining Quality of Life
One thing to remember is that aged care facilities should make sure the safety measures they put in place do not reduce the quality of living within the residence. Some individuals may still want to dance, go on walks or garden, and they should be encouraged to do so, just in the safest way possible.
Communication Between Staff
Our aged care workers do a fantastic job providing the best care this country can offer. Nurses and nursing assistants must communicate with each other regarding which residents are at the highest risk of falls. This can also be applied to individuals who are recovering from illness or operations. If all staff are aware of which residents to keep an eye on, staff can provide extra assistance when walking around, doing recreational activities, or performing day-to-day tasks such as going to the bathroom or getting to the dining room.
Create a Safe Environment
Staff at residential aged care facilities like ours should make sure areas like floors, handrails, armrests and door handles are kept clean and dry. Places that aged care residents rely on to support their weight must be safe. If they are slippery or wet, this may result in more falls and accidents.
Encourage Movement and Exercise
By encouraging the residents to move their bodies, staff can significantly reduce the risk of falls. In residential aged care facilities, individuals who remain in bed or sit on the couch all day will have an increased risk of muscle atrophy and hence will be weaker and less able to support their own body weight. Inactivity can also adversely affect balance. Therefore, residents should be encouraged to exercise and move their bodies daily, which will lead to fewer falls and accidents.
Why Choose Us?
As a mission-based, community-owned residential aged care home, we have been dedicated to providing trusted residential aged care facilities to Townsville for 50 years. To serve and care for the community is our organisation’s reason for being. We are truly committed to delivering safe and high-quality care that optimises the health, wellbeing and quality of life of our residents. Wherever possible, we support you to maintain your independence.
To find out more about our aged care facilities, contact us online today.
