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Fall Prevention & Recovery Course Outline

Course Objectives:

  1. Learn how to mitigate intrinsic and extrinsic fall risks
  2. Implement fall-risk assessments with residents
  3. Understand energy conservation techniques
  4. Identify steps to take after a fall occurs for resident safety
  5. Demonstrate effective fall recovery practices

Part 1: Fall Prevention

  1. Statistics and Research
  2. Causes of falls
    1. Intrinsic Factors
      • Muscle weakness
      • Gait/balance disorders
      • Dizziness/vertigo/hypotension
      • Confusion/cognitive impairments
      • Incontinence
      • Stroke
      • Parkinson’s
      • Vision/hearing impairments
      • Seizure disorders
      • Depression
      • Previous falls
      • Fear of falling
    2. Extrinsic Factors
      • Assistive devices
      • Footwear
      • Lack of handrails
      • Wet floors
      • Poor lighting
      • Loose rugs/cords/clutter/pets
      • Alcohol
      • Medications
      • Bathroom
      • Bedroom
      • Kitchen
      • Entryway
  3. Fall Risk Assessment for Residents
    • National Council on Aging- 12 step assessment
  4. Caregiver Training- How to Mitigate Risk Factors
    • Safe transfers
    • Energy conservation techniques
    • Room modifications
  5. Example Scenarios
  6. Fall Prevention Quiz

Part 2: Fall Recovery

  1. Statistics and Research
  2. Stages of a Fall
    • Pre-landing- “prevention” focus
    • Near-fall
    • Fall landing
    • Fall recovery
  3. After a Fall
    • Assess resident for injury (medical emergency vs. non-injury)
      • Ask
      • Observe
      • Identify
      • Assist
      • Document
  4. Recovery techniques
    • Dependent Resident
    • Independent Resident
    • Injured Resident
  5. Example Scenarios
  6. Fall Prevention Quiz
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