Assess your client to see if he is at risk for falls. Fear of falling, delirium or dememtia, impaired gait, sensory impairment such as blindness or dizziness, may put a patient at risk of falls along with other factors. If your client exhibits any of these signs, he may be at risk for falls.
Place your patient's bed in the lowest position and raise the upper side rails. Do not lower the lower side rails -- that would be false imprisonment.
Monitor a confused client as often as you can. Place him close to the nurses' station to make monitoring easier and more effective.
Teach your client to get up slowly from a lying or seating position if he normally experiences dizziness.
Review your client's medications with his health care provider to see if any of them may be contributing to your client's problem. Bear in mind that medication for the elderly should start at the lowest possible dose.
Make sure your patient's room is well lighted and free of clutter. Orient your client to his room and safety features that are there to prevent falls, such as the safety bars in the bathroom.
Teach your client steps to prevent falls upon discharge. Tell your client and his family to remove throw rugs from the floor, light their home adequately, use a low bed, install safety bars in their bathroom and keep everything your client would need within his reach. Remove all long extension cords from the floor to avoid tripping, and wipe up spills immediately to prevent slippery falls.