Fall Prevention in Hospitals, Adult

Staying in the hospital puts you at risk of falling. Falls can cause serious injuries, but they can be prevented.

Make sure you know what puts you at risk for falling and what you and your healthcare team can do to prevent falls. If you or a loved one falls in the hospital, tell the hospital staff about it.

What can increase my risk of falls?

Factors that increase your risk of falling in the hospital include:

Being in an unfamiliar environment, especially when using the bathroom at night.
Having surgery or being on bed rest.
Taking many medicines or certain types of medicines, such as sleeping pills. Some medicines can cause confusion, trouble with balance, dizziness, or low blood pressure.
Having tubes in place, such as IVs or catheters.

Other risk factors for falls while in the hospital include:

Having trouble with hearing or vision.
Having depression.
Needing to use the toilet frequently.
Having fallen during the past 3 months.

What actions can I take to prevent falls?

A person with an IV in the arm holding a call button.

If you or a loved one have to stay in the hospital:

Ask about which fall prevention strategies will be in place.
Do not get up by yourself if you have been asked to call for help when getting up. Asking for help to get up is for your safety, and the staff is there to help you.
Wear non-skid shoes or non-skid slippers.
Get up slowly, and sit at the side of the bed for a few minutes before standing up.
Keep items you need close to you, such as the call button or a phone, so that you do not need to reach for them.
Wear eyeglasses or hearing aids as instructed by your healthcare provider.
Have someone stay in the hospital with you or your loved one.
Ask if sleeping pills or other medicines that can cause confusion or dizziness are necessary if they are prescribed to you or a loved one.

What does the hospital staff do to help prevent falls?

A health care provider helping a person who is wearing a safety belt.

Hospitals have systems in place to prevent falls and accidents, which may include:

Discussing your fall risk and making a personalised fall prevention plan.
Checking in regularly to see if you need help. Some hospitals use video monitoring that allows a staff member to come to you if you need help.
Placing an armband on your wrist or a sign near your room to alert other staff of your needs.
Using an alarm on your hospital bed. This is an alarm that goes off if you get out of bed and forget to call for help.
Keeping the bed in a low and locked position.
Keeping the area around the bed and bathroom well-lit and not cluttered.
Having a staff person stay with you (one-on-one observation), even when you are using the bathroom. This is for your safety.
Using safety equipment, such as:
- A belt around your waist.
- Walking frames, crutches and other devices for support.
- Safety beds, such as low beds, or cushions on the floor next to the bed.

What other actions can I take to prevent falls?

Check in regularly with your provider or pharmacist to review all medicines that you take.
Make sure that you have a regular exercise programme to stay physically fit. This will help you maintain your balance.
Talk with a physiotherapist if recommended by your provider. A physiotherapist can help you learn to do exercises to improve movement and strength.
If you are over 65 years old:
- Ask your provider if you need a calcium or vitamin D supplement.
- Have your eyes and hearing checked every year.
- Have your feet checked every year.

This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.

Medical knowledge, Patient Education

Fall Prevention in Hospitals, Adult