What should I do to prevent falls?

ACS Answer

People who are unsteady while standing, a little confused, or just generally weak run a high risk of falling. Falls more commonly happen when someone is trying to get out of bed, getting off the toilet or commode, bathing or showering, or walking.

What to do if the patient falls

• Leave the patient where he or she has fallen until you can determine if there are serious injuries
• Call the doctor or emergency service if the patient is unconscious
• Ask if there is any pain
• Check head, arms, legs, and buttocks for cuts and bruises and to see if the area looks strange or out of shape, possibly due to a broken bone
• Apply ice packs to any bleeding area (put ice in a plastic bag and wrap bag in a towel)
• Make the patient as comfortable as possible
• If the patient is not in pain and is not bleeding, move him or her back to the bed or chair (if possible, get someone to help you)

Do not

• Move the patient if he or she is unconscious
• Move the patient if he or she complains of severe pain
• Move the patient if an arm, leg, hip, or any other area looks strange
• Move the patient if there is fluid draining from the mouth, ears, or nose
• Move the patient if there is bleeding

Call the doctor about any of the following symptoms

• Inability to breathe
• Bleeding
• Unconsciousness
• If you think there is a possible injury from the fall
• New weakness
• New numbness
• Change in mental status

How to prevent falls (for the family member)

• To prevent a fast change of position that could cause dizziness or unsteadiness, sit the patient on the side of the bed for a minute or so before helping him or her get out of bed
• Assist with walking if the patient is unsteady
• If the patient complains of lightheadedness or dizziness, stay with the patient in the bathroom
• Put side rails on the bed
• Place bathmats or non-slip stickers in the bathtub and shower
• Move any electrical cords that run across the floor, where a person might trip over them
• Tape the edges of rugs to the floor
• Make a bedpan easily accessible
• Place a portable commode near the bed, if possible
• If possible, place the bed near the bathroom
• Encourage the patient to wear shoes or slippers when walking or standing
• Provide shoes or bedroom slippers that are not slippery
• Ask the doctor or nurse for referrals for home care to help evaluate your home to prevent falls

Related Resources

Find books that cover this and other cancer topics at the American Cancer Society bookstore.

Recommended Consultation

You should consider discussing this topic with your doctor or health care team.

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