To prevent falls and reduce the risk of injury, falls assessment and advice for the elderly are essential.

A falls assessment is a comprehensive evaluation of a resident’s health, mobility, and living environment. It involves assessing an individual’s risk factors for:

• Falls
• Balance
• Strength
• Vision
• Medications
• Cognitive function

The assessment also includes an evaluation of their living environment, such as the presence of trip hazards, loose carpets, and poor lighting. By identifying potential risk factors, the assessment enables CHSS nurses to provide personalised advice and recommendations to reduce the risk of falls.

Falls assessment and advice can significantly reduce the risk of falls and their associated injuries. Studies have shown that falls assessment and intervention can reduce the number of falls in elderly people by up to 30%.

A falls assessment typically involves a range of health care professionals including specialist CHSS nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and doctors.

Certain medications can increase the risk of falls. A CHSS nurse can review the resident’s medications and make recommendations by working with a geriatric consultant and the resident’s GP, to reduce the risk of falls. This might include medications to optimise bone health.

Regular exercise can improve strength, balance, and mobility, reducing the risk of falls.

A CHSS therapist can recommend specific exercises tailored to the individual’s needs.

To reduce the risk of falls and fragility fractures advice will be given, including removing trip hazards, improving lighting, installing sensor systems, installing grab bars and consideration of hip and head protectors.

Well-fitting footwear can improve balance and reduce the risk of falls.

CHSS nurses are trained to recommend and provide mobility aids depending on the needs of the resident to improve mobility and to avoid falls. CHSS nurses may seek input from CHSS therapy team if required.

Educating the care home resident and their cares on fall prevention strategies is essential. This can include advice on postural hypotension management.