Assisted Living Fall Prevention Guide for Directors & Caregivers

If you manage an assisted living facility, then you understand the importance of providing a safe, but dignified environment for your residents. Falls are the leading cause of injury among older adults, which is why it’s helpful to review your facility’s fall prevention strategies on a regular basis. We created this assisted living fall prevention guide to provide some practical tips for caregivers and administrators like you.

Connecting Your Residents with Mobility Aids

Mobility aids provide crucial support and stability for people who are dealing with limited mobility. By making physical activity safer and easier, mobility aids can also boost the mental well-being of your residents.

Here are a few mobility aids that might be useful to your residents, along with a Pro MOVE to encourage use and optimize mobility and safety while in use:

1. Canes are ideal for residents with mild mobility impairments who require minimal assistance. Pro MOVE: Cane comes in so many prints, styles, colors and traction. And, beautiful canes get a lot of positive attention, for the cane and the user. Have an event to showcase the newest cane styles and options by partnering with a local HME store or pharmacy to do a cane event. 
2. Walkers are suitable for residents who need additional support while walking. Pro MOVE: Standard folding walkers are just that… standard, but they are often the go to option for many mobility users.  The good news is that standard walkers can be so much more, with lifestyle and safety supporting accessories such as food trays, baskets, cup holders and cane holders. While these accessories can significantly enhance mobility, lifestyle and safety, perhaps the most popular “accessory” – tennis balls, is not recommended or safe. In fact, tennis balls are unsafe, unsanitary and unattractive. The misguided intention of the tennis ball to help move or glide the walker does have a proper walker accessory specifically designed for that purpose – Walker Skis. Not only are Walker Skis ideal for walker mobility, maneuvering and safety, they look so much better than dirty old tennis balls. They also come in black or gray, and even have an optional durable fabric cover for use on wood or scratch prone floors.
3. Rollators are also considered walkers, but are equipped with larger wheels, locking hand brakes and a seat for resting. They’re ideal for moving around for longer periods or further distances.  Pro MOVE: Rollators are very popular in assisted living centers enhancing and optimizing mobility, lifestyle and quality of life for many residents. Like standard folding walkers, there are also many great accessories for rollators, such as cup holders and cane holders. Stylish bags and seat/back covers are not only functional, but add style and differentiation to a resident’s walker, a feature especially important during meal times when walkers are parked with many others.  For your residents who love to go on trips, suggest a Rollator Travel bag specifically designed to carry and store their rollator.  

Related Blog: What’s the Difference Between a Walker and Rollator?

Bathroom Safety

Bathrooms can be hazardous for people dealing with limited mobility. Wet floors and tiles can lead to slips and falls, and it can be easy to lose one’s balance when getting into and out of the shower or using the toilet.

You can make your assisted living bathrooms safer by using:

1. Bath Chairs: Bath chairs provide a secure and comfortable seating option during bathing. They can be adjusted to different heights and often include backrests and armrests for additional support. A must with a bath chair is an extra long 84” hand held shower with an on/off switch. Traditional hand held showers only have a 60” long hose unable to reach the person in the seated position. Another must is a bath seat basket to hold bathing essentials such as soap and shampoo. Reaching for these items can be uncomfortable and even dangerous.
2. Transfer Benches: Transfer benches help residents safely transfer into a bath or shower. They have an extra long seat with a section that sits outside of the bath or shower so the resident can transfer in (if needed from a wheelchair or transport chair) and move into the bath or shower. They are particularly useful for individuals with limited mobility.
3. Non-Slip Mats: Non-slip mats can be placed on the floor of the bathtub or shower to reduce the risk of slips and falls.
4. Grab Bars: Grab bars provide stability and support when getting in and out of the bathtub or shower. They should be securely installed at strategic locations.
5. Toilet Rails: Toilet rails can assist residents in safely sitting down and standing up from the toilet.
6. Raised Toilet Seats and Toilet Seat Risers: Raised Toilet Seats and Toilet Seat Risers add safety, comfort and security to the most common daily human task. They raise the height of the toilet reducing the strain caused by getting on and off the toilet. They also come with support arms to add safety and security.  

Related Blog: The Best Equipment to Reduce the Risks of Falls in the Bathroom

Preventative Care

One of the most effective ways to prevent falls in an assisted living facility is to promote a healthy and active lifestyle for residents. Regular physical activity can help maintain muscle strength, balance, and coordination, all of which are crucial for reducing fall risk.

To support physical activity, you can incorporate the following tools in your facility:

1. Pedal Exercisers: Pedal exercisers are a great way to improve lower and upper body strength and circulation. The ability to sit or stand while using makes them suitable for residents with varying levels of mobility.
   
2. Rollators with Seats: Rollators with seats can encourage residents to take longer walks and explore their surroundings. The built-in seat provides a convenient resting spot, reducing fatigue and preventing falls.

By prioritizing preventative care and promoting a healthy lifestyle, you can significantly reduce the risk of falls and improve the overall well-being of your residents.

Related Blog: The Health Benefits of Using a Walker

Find More Resources for Assisted Living Facilities

At NOVA, we connect caregivers with mobility aids and assisted living tools that are crucial for helping people with limited mobility enjoy greater independence. We also recommend that you form a relationship with a local HME store or pharmacy near you who can provide your residents with HME education, products and support. 

As an addendum to this assisted living fall prevention guide, please feel free to download our 100% free NOVA Home Safety Toolbox, which provides even more practical tips for every room and outdoors!

Learn all the ways the NOVA Network supports assisted living facilities.