A fall can happen to anyone at anytime. We are dedicated to keeping our patients safe so when you come to the hospital, you will be checked for your risk of falling by a Nurse.
Our staff educates the patient and their family on how best to prevent falls.
- Non- skid footwear is given to all patients.
- Beds are kept in low position and locked with the two side rails up.
- The area around you is looked at for clutter and cords that may cause someone to trip and fall.
Some common causes when a patient falls:
Your feet are not steady when you get out of bed, or when you walk after surgery or a procedure.
You feel dizzy when you get up quickly after taking medicines.
You are feeling dizzy after going to the bathroom several times to empty your bladder or have a bowel movement.
You trip over a cord.
You slip on a wet floor.
You do not remember that you are not strong enough yet to do daily activities and you forget to ask for help.
You do not ask for help because you think the nurse is busy.
To prevent falls, patients should follow these guidelines:
DO NOT get up alone. Please call for help.
Use the call light to ask for help when you want to get out of bed.
You may be asked to go to the bathroom 2 to 3 hours after each meal, or before taking your medicines to help you sleep.
Your nurse will remind you to call for help when getting up if you are taking medicines that make you feel dizzy.
All employees of Santa Clara Valley Medical Center are committed to keeping our hospital safe. We want to prevent falls and we need the help of family members and other visitors. Here’s what you should know:
- Let the nursing staff know when you are going to leave the patient’s room. Let them know this before you leave.
- Do not get the patient up by yourself unless this has been approved by the nursing staff.
- Remind the patient not to get up on their own, and to use the call light when they need help.
- Please ask for help when you want to get your loved one out of bed. Even if it is to get to a chair or to use the bathroom, you should ask for help.
- Please let the nurse know if you would like to stay with the patient overnight.
- Ask for information that would help you work with the nurse in preventing your loved one from falling.
We want patients and their families to be our partners in preventing falls. Thank you for your help.