Preventing Falls During Hospitalization
– Instruction

Dear patient,

Below is a series of instructions on how to prevent falls and keep your environment safe while you under care at the hospital.

The combination of your medical condition and care in the hospital represents an exposure to an unknown environment that might increase the risk of falls.

It is important that you notify the treating staff of any incidents of falling in your past and whether you know the cause for their occurrence.

Please read the instructions carefully, and if you have any additional questions, approach the treatment staff.

Maintaining a Safe Environment

While hospitalized, please ensure that:

The area near the bed and in the room is tidy.

The cabinet is within reach.

The bed panels are raised when necessary.

The alarm bell is working and within reach.

The stool next to the bed is meant to ease getting on/off the bed, please make use of it.

The brakes are locked when transferring from the bed/ bathing chair/ wheel chair or when using the cabinet.

The department corridor is sometimes crowded with trolleys, beds, etc., please walk in a secure fashion.

Walk in dry places and avoid walking while the floor is being washed.

Movement

Check with the nurse and/or the doctor for instructions on how to get off the bed independently.

It is important to use a walker or cane in addition to making use the railing if your gait is unsteady. You should receive instruction from a physiotherapist or other professional party.

It is recommended you wear stable, comfortable shoes which are closed at the back. Shoes with anti-slip soles are advised.

Call the treating staff for help when moving to the bed, the chair, or in any case where you feel weakness, fever, or dizziness.

It is recommended to cut back on drinking after 18:00 and empty your bladder before sleeping, extensive drinking after 18:00 increases the need to urinate.

Make sure you go to the bathroom before leaving the department for treatment and/or tests outside the department.

It is recommended you use the bell to call a staff member if you are connected to any pipes such as a urination catheter, IV, various drains or an oxygen pipe.

Bathing

When entering the shower/bathroom, confirm that the floor is dry.

Before bathing, confirm you have the necessary equipment (pajamas, towel, and toiletries).

It is recommended you shower while seated, confirm there is an alarm bell in the shower to summon help if necessary.

Do not lock the door when entering the shower/bathroom.

Sensory Limitation

Make sure you use proper devices, such as glasses or hearing-aides if you have some limitation on your sight or hearing.

Medicinal Treatment

For your information, treatment by medication may cause drowsiness, instability, or haziness.

Taking medicine that promotes urination or laxatives may pose a risk of falling due to the frequent need to visit the bathroom during the day and night. Be sure to empty your bladder before going to sleep. It is recommended you use the bell to call help for mobility. It is suggested you consider putting a night light next to your bed.

Use aid devices during the night such as a bedpan, uridome, urination bottle.

Unstable Blood Pressure

Any transition from lying down to standing may cause a change in blood pressure and dizziness, so it is important to avoid sudden changes in posture. Sit up in your bed before standing, and breathe deeply. Wait a few minutes to ensure there is no dizziness, and only then rise to a standing position.

Your cooperation and your family's cooperation are most important.

Before performing any activity, ensure you are acting with maximum safety.

The treatment staff in the department is available for further questions.

Wishing you a swift recovery

The treatment staff and Medical Center management