Avoiding Falls in the Hospital 

People who are sick or injured are more likely to fall. Medicines, wires and tubes can also cause falls. We will do all we can to keep you safe in the hospital. You can help by taking these steps.  

Keep Things Within Reach

• Keep the things you use often within easy reach. Have tissues, water, remote control, and the light cord close to you.

• Practice using the call button while the nurse is with you. Do this before you really need to use it. Keep it within reach. Do not be afraid to use it when you need to!

• Know how to turn the light on and off from your bed. Also, know how to use the bed control.

A Note to Family and Friends

• Keep personal items out of the way.

• Learn the guidelines the staff has in place to prevent falls. Please follow them.

• Have the doctor or nurse show you how to move your loved one and how to use safety equipment.

• When leading your loved one, keep it simple. Go one step at a time.

• Tell the doctor or nurse if you notice any mental or physical change in your loved one.

What We Do to Prevent Falls

• Hourly rounding. A nurse will check on your needs and safety at least once an hour.

• Bed and chair alarms. These let us know if you try to get up on your own.

• Fall risk signs. These let staff and guests know which patients have a high risk of falls.