Post-Fall Observation
Necessary Post-Fall Observations
Post-fall observations ensure that when a resident experiences a fall, the necessary report details are added to our care system immediately. This provides valuable information about the causes of the fall and ways to help prevent it from happening again.
Carers can also check any worrying symptoms that may appear in residents after a fall and put plans in place to prevent any long-term issues.
Falls Prevention
An in-built falls matrix gives insight into patterns of falls, including their timing, causes, effects and location throughout the care facility. This encourages the analysis of fall risks and allows the quick implementation of any improvements.
As each resident’s care plan is designed to reflect specific risk factors, this may help prevent falls for other people in a similar position too.
Key Benefits
Check service users regularly for any concerning symptoms.
Automatic reminders set to monitor residents after a fall
Keep evidence of the resident’s health and wellbeing after a fall.
Create the necessary post-falls observations easily and automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
The process involves several steps, as follows:
- Evaluate the existing risk of falling and take precautions to protect the resident
- In the event of a fall, call for assistance and go to help the person straight away
- Identify all apparent injuries and seek medical advice.
- Don’t move your resident.
- Start first-aid procedure.
- Maintain ongoing monitoring and treatment as required
You can use fall risk information to evaluate whether a resident has a low, moderate or high risk of falling in your care home. Carers can use the results of a fall assessment to suggest fall prevention methods, if the analysis reveals that the resident is at an increased risk.
There are three main types of falls that a care home resident can be subject to. These are:
- Physiological (anticipated).
- Physiological (unanticipated).
- Accidental.
Falls can result in painful injuries, such as fractures of the wrist, arm, ankle or hip. They can also cause more serious injuries to the head, which can lead to concussion, loss of memory and other concerning problems. Fall injuries can be even more serious if a person is taking certain medications (like blood thinners) that could affect their long-term recovery.
Things a carer should look out for after an older person falls include:
- Changes in behavior, memory or concentration
- Signs of pain, broken bones or strained muscles or joints
- Signs that any underlying disease has been exacerbated by the fall
- Changes in blood pressure and pulse
- Loss of confidence or altered moods
- Problems with balance and gait.