Falls - LPNI
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Falls
LPNI Health Topic - October 2018
Falls
Recently, I returned from our LPNI International Study Tour to Manitoba and Saskatchewan, Canada. It was a wonderful, educational, and uplifting tour. As I pondered on my health topic for this month, I experienced two events which helped me decide what to write.
On the third day of our tour, while getting off the bus at a First Nation site, one member of our group fell. While not seriously injured, she sustained some sore areas.
Later that evening, after a lovely dinner, as we were leaving, I turned around to ask how she was doing, and … you guessed it! I missed a step, and down I went! I, too, while not injured, sustained a few bruises and sore spots.
This got me to thinking that, although we know the obvious concerns and risks associated with falls, there are some things that needs to be stated regarding the covert events that may precipitate a fall.
The obvious risks include, but are not limited to:
- Reduce clutter in an area so that one can move around in an unobstructed manner.
- Be very cautious about throw/scatter rugs.
- Make sure the environment is well lighted.
- Use grab bars and non-skid mats in the bath/shower.
- Wear proper footwear.
- Stay off ladders and stepstools.
- Avoid reaching to upper shelves.
- Watch where you are going, especially in unfamiliar territory.
- Don’t walk on uneven ground, even if it means taking a longer path.
- If you have had knee or hip replacement, be careful!
- If you have any balance issues, be careful!
- If you have muscle weakness in your legs, take extra caution.
- If you have been told to use an assistive device, keep it with you and use it. This includes canes, crutches, walkers, or wheelchairs. If you’re not sure if you need it, take it with you.
It is better to have a broken ego than a broken hip, shoulder, or wrist.
Sue Neff, Parish Nurse
First Lutheran Church
El Cajon, CA