Download PDF: RAC Communique 2007-03
In this edition
Editorial
Falls investigation standard
Don’t move, I’ll just be a second
Falls prevention – It’s no accident
Of course he’s going to fall
Editorial
Welcome to the second issue of the Residential Aged Care Coronial Communiqué and the first for 2007. The theme of this issue is the assessment, management and prevention of falls that contribute to death. To this end, Professor Rhonda Nay (Professor of Gerontic Nursing, LTU Gerontic Nursing Clinical School) has the following message:
“We know old age is a significant risk factor in falls and that older people are more likely to fall in the last couple of years before death. Some falls are probably unavoidable, especially if we are to support the dignity of residents, but, and it is a big BUT, we have to question whether we are really putting in the best effort.
It used to be accepted that old people and senility went hand in hand; now we know better. Ask yourself what you do to mitigate the risk of falls. Do you evaluate what you do for an individual and revise it if a person is still falling; do you collect summary data for the whole facility and evaluate and revise practices if the facility is not achieving a reduction in falls?