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Prevention of Falls and Injury Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure a proactive, systematic, and person-centred approach to reducing the risk of falls and injuries in our care home. Falls are a significant concern in care settings and can result in serious injuries, reduced mobility, loss of confidence, and a decline in quality of life.

Our care home is committed to:

• Minimising the risk of falls while supporting mobility and independence.
• Creating a safe environment that meets the needs of the people we support.
• Providing staff with training and resources to identify, assess, and manage fall risks.
• Implementing effective interventions based on best practice and CQC guidelines, including Regulation 12 (Safe Care and Treatment)​ and Regulation 9 (Person-Centred Care)​.
• Ensuring a swift and appropriate response to any falls, including medical care, reporting, and follow-up prevention measures.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All staff members, including care assistants, nurses, managers, and domestic staff.
• The people we support, ensuring they receive appropriate assessments, interventions, and support.
• Visitors and external professionals (e.g., physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and GPs) who assist with fall prevention.
• The physical environment, including rooms, corridors, bathrooms, and outdoor areas.

3. Principles

Our approach to fall prevention is guided by the following principles:

3.1 Person-Centred and Risk-Based Approach

• Each person is assessed individually for fall risk, considering medical history, mobility, cognition, and environmental factors.
• Risk assessments are updated regularly and when conditions change.

3.2 Promoting Independence While Minimising Risk

• We encourage safe mobility while preventing unnecessary restrictions.
• Equipment such as walking aids, grab rails, and non-slip flooring is provided.

3.3 A Culture of Prevention and Continuous Improvement

• All staff play a role in fall prevention.
• Regular monitoring and analysis of fall incidents ensure continuous learning and improvement.

4. Fall Risk Assessment and Prevention Strategies

4.1 Initial and Ongoing Fall Risk Assessments

• A comprehensive falls risk assessment is conducted on admission and reviewed:
  • Monthly for high-risk individuals.
  • Quarterly for all others.
  • Immediately after a fall.
• The assessment covers:
  • Mobility and balance – use of mobility aids, walking difficulties.
  • Medical history – history of falls, osteoporosis, medications affecting balance.
  • Cognitive and sensory impairments – dementia, vision loss, hearing difficulties.
  • Footwear and clothing – suitability, non-slip soles, properly fitted shoes.
  • Environmental hazards – clutter, poor lighting, slippery floors.

4.2 Personalised Fall Prevention Plans

• Based on the assessment, a personalised fall prevention plan is developed, detailing:
  • Specific interventions required (e.g., physiotherapy, medication reviews).
  • Equipment (grab rails, hip protectors, fall mats).
  • Support from staff (e.g., supervision when mobilising).

4.3 Environmental Safety Measures

We ensure the physical environment is designed to prevent falls by:

• Maintaining adequate lighting, including motion-sensor night lights.
• Installing handrails and grab bars in corridors, bathrooms, and bedrooms.
• Using non-slip flooring and ensuring rugs/mats are securely fixed.
• Keeping walkways clear of clutter, cords, and loose furniture.
• Ensuring call bells are within reach in all rooms and communal areas.

4.4 Equipment and Assistive Devices

• Walking aids are provided and regularly checked for safety.
• Bed and chair sensors alert staff to movement for high-risk individuals.
• Height-adjustable beds reduce the risk of injury in case of a fall.

5. Staff Training and Awareness

5.1 Mandatory Fall Prevention Training

• All staff receive mandatory falls prevention training during induction and refresher training annually.
• Training includes:
  • Identifying high-risk individuals.
  • Safe assisting and transferring techniques.
  • Recognising medical conditions linked to falls.
  • Proper use of equipment (e.g., hoists, walking frames).
  • Emergency response procedures.

5.2 Daily Observations and Reporting

• Staff must be vigilant and monitor people for any changes in mobility, behaviour, or health.
• Concerns about increased fall risk must be reported immediately to the Registered Manager.
• Staff are required to document any observed risks or near-misses in care records.

6. Responding to a Fall

6.1 Immediate Response

• Stay with the person and reassure them.
• Do not move them unless they are in immediate danger.
• Conduct a quick visual assessment for injuries.
• Call for medical help if needed (999 for severe injuries, GP or paramedics for moderate concerns).
• If no visible injuries, help them stand safely with appropriate support.

6.2 Post-Fall Assessment and Follow-Up

• Conduct a full assessment to determine the cause of the fall.
• Review and update the falls risk assessment and care plan.
• Notify family members and, if necessary, the CQC or safeguarding authorities.
• Conduct a debriefing session with staff to identify preventive actions.

7. Monitoring, Review, and Learning from Falls

7.1 Incident Reporting and Investigation

• All falls must be reported using the incident reporting system.
• Investigations must include:
  • Analysis of what led to the fall.
  • Contributing factors (medication, environment, medical conditions).
  • Corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

7.2 Reviewing Fall Data for Continuous Improvement

• Falls data is reviewed monthly by the Registered Manager.
• Trends and patterns are analysed, and findings are shared with:
  • Care staff for learning.
  • Management for policy updates.
  • External professionals where required.

8. Related Policies

This policy aligns with:

• Safe Care and Treatment Policy (CH11)​.
• Person-Centred Care Policy (CH07)​.
• Health and Safety at Work Policy (CH16)​.
• Risk Management and Assessment Policy (CH18)​.
• Infection Prevention and Control Policy (CH17)​.
• Medication Management and Administration Policy (CH21)​.
• Emergency and Business Continuity Plan (CH19)​.

9. Policy Review

• This policy is reviewed annually or sooner if:
  • There are CQC regulatory updates.
  • A serious fall incident requires new safety measures.
  • New evidence-based fall prevention strategies emerge.

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