Fall Prevention in Care Homes: Reducing Accidents and Injuries Amongst Residents

As we grow older, we all become more susceptible to more frequent accidents and injuries, often due to factors such as cognitive decline, forgetfulness, reduced physical abilities or increased frailty. 

Falls can be a serious concern for older adults and can impact their independence, confidence and well-being. At Lidder Care, we understand this worry, which is why we’re dedicated to creating a safe and supportive environment where residents can thrive and feel safe.

Understanding the Scope of the Problem

Falls among the elderly, particularly in care homes, are a significant concern that can lead to severe consequences. These incidents not only cause physical injuries but can also result in psychological trauma, reduced mobility and a diminished sense of independence. According to recent studies, about 50-75% of care home residents fall each year, a rate that is twice as high as falls amongst older adults living in the community.

Lee Swinn, Deputy Manager at Newgate Lodge Care Home, said: ‘A fall can have a negative impact on a resident’s confidence and create a deterioration in the resident’s ability to continue to mobilise and transfer independently.’

‘Since implementing falls prevention techniques at Newgate Lodge, residents have got a sense of self-worth as the residents continue to retain the ability to carry out tasks independently and are not fearful of falling or injuring themselves.’

The impact of falls extends beyond the immediate physical harm. They can lead to:

• Fractures and serious injuries
• Increased fear of falling, which can limit activity and social engagement
• Loss of confidence and independence
• Prolonged hospital stays and rehabilitation periods
• Increased healthcare costs for residents and facilities

Given these serious implications, it’s clear that effective fall prevention strategies are not just beneficial—they’re essential for the well-being of care home residents.

Identifying High-Risk Residents

The first step in preventing falls is to identify those at greatest risk. A multifaceted approach to risk assessment considers various factors:

Comprehensive Individual Assessments

Trained staff should conduct regular, thorough assessments of each resident, looking at:

• Medical history, including past falls
• Current health conditions
• Medication regimens
• Cognitive status
• Physical mobility and balance
• Vision and hearing capabilities

By creating a comprehensive profile of each resident, care homes can tailor their prevention strategies to individual needs.

Lee Swinn added: ‘Our home creates a falls risk assessment, which will include the resident’s current mobility and moving and handling requirements. From inputting this information, safety measures will be implemented to lower the likelihood of falls being sustained.’ 

Implementing Multifaceted Prevention Strategies

A holistic approach to fall prevention that addresses multiple risk factors simultaneously is crucial. A comprehensive strategy should include:

Environmental Modifications

Creating a safe physical environment is vital, so at our Newgate Lodge Care Home, we focus on areas such as:

• Installing handrails in hallways and bathrooms
• Ensuring proper lighting throughout the facility
• Using non-slip flooring and removing tripping hazards
• Arranging furniture to create clear pathways

These modifications can significantly reduce the risk of falls by eliminating common hazards that can appear in a care home environment.

Personalised Exercise Programmes

Physical activity is key to maintaining strength and balance for our elderly residents. Effective programmes that are implemented at Newgate Lodge may include:

• Tailored chair based exercise and strength building exercises
• Balance and coordination activities
• Gentle stretching exercises to improve flexibility and reduce stiffness
• Walking out into the community to encourage regular movement

Regular exercise not only improves physical capabilities but also boosts confidence, which can further reduce fall risks.

Medication Management

Sufficient medication management can significantly reduce fall risks. An effective approach includes:

• Regular medication reviews by healthcare professionals
• Adjusting dosages or changing medications to reduce side effects that may increase fall risk
• Educating residents and families about medication effects and proper usage

At Newgate Lodge Care Home, ‘If a resident has sustained falls, then a medication review is requested, in this review all medications prescribed are reviewed and the side effects are visited to see if the medications could be increasing the falls risk.’ said Lee Swinn. 

By carefully managing medications, care homes can minimise side effects that contribute to fall risks, such as dizziness or drowsiness.

Staff Training and Education

Well-trained staff are essential in fall prevention. Here at Lidder Care, our comprehensive, regular training for our staff covers:

• Ongoing instruction on fall risk assessment and prevention techniques
• Education on proper transfer and assistance methods
• Workshops on recognising and responding to potential fall situations

Continuous staff education ensures that all team members are equipped to identify and mitigate fall risks effectively.

‘All staff attend annual moving and handling training. If a resident is high risk of falls, then when the residents are walking with purpose a staff member will walk with the resident to lower the likelihood of falls being sustained.’ stated Lee Swinn.

Innovative Approaches to Fall Prevention

Whilst traditional methods remain crucial, new approaches are emerging to enhance fall prevention efforts:

Wearable Technology

Some care homes are exploring the use of wearable devices that can:

• Monitor movement patterns
• Alert staff to unusual activity
• Provide data on sleep patterns and overall health

These devices offer an additional layer of monitoring without infringing on residents’ privacy or independence.

When discussing Newgate Lodge’s latest technological advancements, Lee Swinn said: The home has a sensor beam technology in situ for all residents who are deemed high risk of falls, this technology alerts the nurse call system when movement is taking place within the resident’s room, and they are at risk of falling.’ 

Enhanced Sensory Aids

Improving residents’ sensory perception can significantly reduce fall risks, such as:

• Regular vision and hearing checks
• Providing well-fitted glasses and hearing aids
• Ensuring adequate lighting in all areas, especially at night

By enhancing residents’ ability to view their environment clearly, these measures can prevent falls caused by sensory limitations.

Promoting Independence Safely

Encouraging independence in a safe environment is vital for residents’ mental and physical well-being. Strategies include:

• Teaching safe transfer techniques
• Providing assistive devices like walkers or canes
• Encouraging residents to ask for help when needed

By promoting safe independence, care homes can help residents maintain their dignity and confidence whilst reducing fall risks.

The Importance of a Supportive Community

Creating a supportive community within the care home is crucial for effective fall prevention. This involves:

• Encouraging social interactions and group activities
• Fostering a culture where residents feel comfortable asking for assistance
• Involving families and friends in fall prevention efforts

A supportive community not only helps prevent isolation, which can contribute to fall risks, but also creates a network of individuals all working towards the common goal of resident safety.

Continuous Evaluation and Improvement

Fall prevention strategies should be regularly evaluated and refined to ensure they remain as effective as possible. This process includes:

• Analysing past fall incidents to identify patterns or areas for improvement
• Seeking feedback from residents, families and staff
• Staying informed about the latest research and best practices in fall prevention

By continuously refining their approach, care homes can ensure they are providing the most effective fall prevention possible.

A Commitment to Safety and Dignity

At Lidder Care, we understand that effective fall prevention is about more than just avoiding injuries—it’s about preserving the dignity, independence, quality of life and safety of our residents. 

Our comprehensive approach combines environmental safety, personalised care, staff training and innovative strategies to create a safer living environment for all our residents.

We are committed to continually improving our fall prevention measures, ensuring that our residents can live with confidence and peace of mind. If you’re considering a care home for yourself or a loved one and want to learn more about our approach to fall prevention and overall resident safety, we invite you to get in touch.

Contact our team here at Lidder Care today to discuss how we can provide a safe, supportive,