Falls among elderly residents in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) can lead to severe injuries and adverse health outcomes. Implementing effective fall mitigation and prevention measures is crucial to ensure the safety and well-being of residents. In this blog post, we explore how data and technology, combined with the support of remote care providers, can be harnessed to develop a comprehensive fall mitigation and prevention program that minimizes risks and fosters the safest environment possible for all residents.
Falls are alarmingly common in SNFs, affecting a significant number of residents each year. Studies reveal that approximately one in three seniors over the age of 65 living in SNFs will experience a fall at least once during their stay. Moreover, repeat falls are prevalent, with some residents experiencing multiple incidents over time. Recognizing the frequency of falls underscores the urgency of implementing effective fall prevention measures.
Certain populations within SNFs are particularly vulnerable to falls. Residents with pre-existing medical conditions such as Parkinson's disease, dementia, or a history of falls are at a higher risk. Additionally, age-related declines in balance, mobility, and sensory perception can increase the likelihood of falls.
Environmental hazards within SNFs also contribute significantly to fall risks. Uneven flooring, poor lighting, cluttered hallways, and inadequate handrails are examples of environmental factors that exacerbate the risk of falls.
The consequences of falls in SNFs are profound, affecting residents, their families, and the healthcare system at large. Falls can result in physical injuries such as fractures, head traumas, and sprains, leading to pain, reduced mobility, and extended recovery periods. The emotional toll on residents can be substantial, causing anxiety, fear of falling again, and a decline in overall well-being.
While addressing falls as they occur is crucial, a proactive approach to fall prevention is essential in reducing the number of incidents. By proactively identifying residents at high risk for falls through comprehensive fall risk assessments and leveraging custom data to analyze trends, SNFs can tailor interventions to individual needs.
Implementing preventive strategies such as environmental modifications, assistive technologies, and staff training can effectively mitigate fall risks. A proactive fall prevention program not only enhances resident safety but also promotes a culture of care that prioritizes resident well-being.
Curve Health offers detailed comprehensive analysis and actionable insights to assist clinical leadership in identifying trends and patterns in resident falls, while remote care providers perform real-time evaluation for residents who require timely attention following a fall.
By analyzing patterns and trends, Curve Health helps SNFs
With a focus on improving access to quality, affordable, and compassionate care in an underserved population, Curve Health's Predict data insights, combined with the support of remote care providers, empowers SNFs to more effectively address fall prevention, ensuring a safer and healthier environment for all residents.
Learn more about how Curve Health's data insight capabilities and remote care providers can transform fall prevention strategies in your skilled nursing facility.
