How important is the development of a proper care plan to prevent nursing home falls?
Care planning is critical to preventing nursing home injuries. All nursing homes have an obligation to conduct a complete assessment of the patient. Based on the assessment they are required to prepare a “minimum data set” which assesses the patient’s risk of falling. The nursing home must prepare a care plan to address fall prevention. The care plan must be approved by the patient’s physician. A proper care plan should address the use of safety devices, and it should show address the type of assistance the resident needs getting out of bed, walking, and toileting. While it is critical for the nursing home to develop a proper care plan, the care plan is only useful if it is consistently followed. That means the staff must be properly trained and there must be sufficient staffing to carry out the care plan. Failure to implement and carry out a care plan is negligence and may be the basis for a lawsuit. Do physical and chemical restraints prevent injuries from falls in nursing homes? Stu
