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Falls: Care of Someone Who Has Fallen (England) Policy

Policy Statement

It is recognised that in social care people who use services are often at risk of falls, which can result in serious injury and, where they are persistent, impair their quality of life. This is because their medical conditions and frailties put them at risk of falls and the risks increase because of, for example, physical inactivity, difficulties in walking and moving around, poor balance, etc.

This policy describes the procedures followed in the event of a person suffering from a fall in {{org_field_name}}, in their own home or outside while receiving care and support. It is in line with the requirements of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014 for safe, person-centred care that always maintains people’s dignity and respect.

Although the policy of {{org_field_name}} is to prevent falls, it also accepts that falls can occur. In the event of someone falling it is therefore important that staff members or whoever finds the person who has fallen take the appropriate action to enable them to recover as quickly as possible, sustaining the minimum physical and psychological damage or injury caused by the fall. It is also important that every occasion is fully recorded and reviewed to prevent reoccurrence.

Acknowledging the NHS and entire health and social care systems are experiencing immense increased pressures and maximum capacity, {{org_field_name}} is aware how important it is that any preventable accidents are kept to a minimum.

This policy incorporates how to safely get the person who uses services from the floor when they have fallen, if appropriate, as not all falls ensue in serious injury, when to call for additional support/advice, eg via NHS 111/999, mindful of health and safety, wellbeing for people who use services and training requirements for staff.

It is stressed on staff members that every occasion is likely to be different and that they will need to respond to individual circumstances, but in line with the following guidance. In most instances, they will either find or be summoned to assist a person who has fallen (eg tripped, slipped or a result of physical reasons such as dizziness or loss of balance). In all cases, they will need to:

The aims are always to:

Procedures

When a person who uses services has fallen or has been found on the floor, staff members should do the following.

Staff are also advised and instructed to act on the following possibilities.

Following the Incident

  1. In some cases, it will be necessary to inform relatives/next of kin/a legal representative.
  2. Staff must complete the service’s accident/post falls report form and record the incident in the care plan.
  3. {{org_field_name}} routinely reviews the overall pattern and trends of falls in people receiving care to inform revisions in policy, protocols and procedures and/or staff training on falls.

Training

Dealing with common accidents and emergencies, such as a fall, will be covered during induction training. All new staff will be expected to be aware of the service’s policy on falls.

Further and specialised training is provided for staff with specific roles and responsibilities for implementing the service’s policy on falls management, including on the development of effective falls prevention strategies.


Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}

Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}

Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}

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