Hospital Falls Prevention: Keeping Patients Safe

Falls are one of the most common safety incidents in hospitals, particularly among elderly patients. Understanding fall risks and prevention strategies can protect you or your loved one during a hospital stay.

Why Hospital Falls Are Dangerous

• Falls can cause fractures, head injuries, and other serious complications
• Falls can extend hospital stays and increase costs
• Injuries from falls can lead to a decline in overall health and independence
• CMS tracks hospital fall rates as a quality measure

Who Is at Risk

Several factors increase fall risk in hospitals:

• Age: Patients over 65 have significantly higher fall risk
• Medications: Sedatives, pain medications, blood pressure drugs, and sleeping pills can cause dizziness
• Medical conditions: Stroke, dementia, Parkinson's disease, diabetes, and heart conditions
• Weakness: Extended bed rest leads to muscle weakness and unsteadiness
• Unfamiliar environment: Navigating an unfamiliar room, especially at night
• IV lines and equipment: Tubes and wires can cause tripping
• Bathroom needs: Urgency and frequency, especially at night
• Vision problems: Poor eyesight or not having glasses available

What Hospitals Do to Prevent Falls

• Fall risk assessments: Evaluating each patient's fall risk at admission and regularly during the stay
• Fall prevention protocols: Customized interventions based on individual risk factors
• Bed alarms: Alerts that sound when a high-risk patient gets out of bed without assistance
• Non-slip footwear: Providing grip socks or non-slip shoes
• Lighting: Adequate lighting, especially in bathrooms and at night
• Handrails and grab bars: In bathrooms and hallways
• Staff rounding: Regular check-ins to address patient needs proactively

What Patients and Families Can Do

Before Getting Up

• Call for help before getting out of bed, especially at night
• Sit on the edge of the bed briefly before standing to prevent dizziness
• Make sure your path is clear of cords, equipment, and clutter
• Wear non-slip footwear — never walk in socks alone on smooth floors

In Your Room

• Keep the call button, phone, and personal items within reach
• Use the night light — don't walk in the dark
• Keep the bed in the lowest position with side rails as recommended
• Use your glasses or hearing aids as you normally would

In the Bathroom

• Use grab bars when getting on and off the toilet and in the shower
• Don't lock the bathroom door
• Ask for help if you feel unsteady
• Use the call cord in the bathroom if you need assistance

Checking Hospital Fall Rates

CMS publicly reports hospital safety data, including fall-related measures:

• Check hospital safety scores on Medicare Care Compare
• Look at Patient Safety Indicators that include falls

Data sourced from CMS. Visit Medicare Care Compare or call 1-800-MEDICARE.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.