Safer Mobility, reducing the risks of slips, trips and falls
As we get older, we can have a higher risk of falling. This can be for a number of reasons, for example our balance or our eyesight can change. The good news is that we can prevent many falls and reduce our risk. This page has some simple tips and advice to help reducing the risk of falling.
Reducing the Risk of Slips, Trips and Falls during stay at TUH
Your safety and wellbeing are our top priorities. We understand the importance of creating a safe environment for our patients. We are here to provide you with information on how to reduce the risk of slips, trips, and falls during your stay with us.
In order to combat this issue, the Hospital provides an expert multidisciplinary team approach to implementing treatments to mitigate the underlying causes of our patients' risks for falls, to improve patients’ quality of life and to prevent falls before they happen. We believe that a key way to staying healthy is through education and supporting people to make healthy choices.
Why Falls Prevention Matters
Falls and fall-related injuries are a significant concern globally, and they are also the most frequently reported incidents within the Health Service Executive (HSE).
Unfortunately, falls can lead to serious injuries, prolonged hospitalization, increased healthcare costs, and even psychological and social repercussions. It is not just the physical impact of falls that we are concerned about; the fear of falling can lead to reduced activity levels, which in turn can result in muscle weakness, balance issues and social isolation. We are committed to ensuring your safety and promoting your overall wellbeing.
Your Safety is Our Priority
As an inpatient at TUH, you can expect a comprehensive assessment of your risk for falls. If specific risk factors are identified, our healthcare professionals will implement appropriate interventions to mitigate these risks. Our goal is to work collaboratively with you to reduce the likelihood of falls and to enhance your safety throughout your hospital stay.
It is never too late to take control of your health. The TUH Falls Prevention Team will teach you how to assess your risk factors for falls, what to do if you fall and advice on how to prevent a fall in the first place.
We want to encourage everyone to better manage their health and stay healthy in the first instance and thereafter, be informed of the health services available in their communities, how to access them, and where, depending on their condition, is most appropriate for them. At TUH we recognise the importance of empowering our community to lead healthier lives.
Creating a Safe Environment Several factors within the hospital environment can contribute to the risk of slips, trips, and falls. It's important to be aware of these factors to stay safe:
- Obstacles and Equipment: Be cautious of furniture and medical equipment that might obstruct your path. Medical devices such as drips, pumps, oxygen tubing, and catheters can limit your movement, so take care when moving around.
- Accessibility: Make sure your hospital table and any mobility aids you may require are within easy reach to avoid unnecessary movement that could lead to falls.
- Unfamiliar Surroundings: Hospitals can be unfamiliar, so take your time to become familiar with your surroundings to avoid accidental falls.
- Open Spaces: Corridors and open spaces may provide less support for walking. Use handrails and supportive structures when available.
Managing Your Health and Medications While recovering from an illness, injury, or surgery, you might experience various health-related challenges that can increase the risk of falls:
- Physical Discomfort: Fatigue, shortness of breath, pain, dizziness, and light headedness can impact your stability. Take your time and ask for help from a member of staff if needed.
- Medications: Some medications can contribute to falls by causing sedation or affecting blood pressure. Our healthcare professionals will review your medications and make adjustments if necessary to ensure your safety.
Remember, TUH staff are here to support you in every way possible. If you have any questions or concerns about falls prevention, don't hesitate to speak with any of the healthcare professionals who are caring for you.
Quality of Life
TUH is dedicated to providing a multidisciplinary approach to identifying, reducing, and addressing the underlying causes of falls. Our ultimate goal is to safeguard you from harm, decrease the occurrence of falls among those at risk, and enhance your overall quality of life.
Your safety matters to us, and by working together, we can ensure a safe and comfortable hospital experience for you.
