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{{org_field_name}}

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

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Prevention of Falls and Injury Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that {{org_field_name}} provides a safe environment for service users by implementing proactive measures to prevent falls and injuries. Falls are a leading cause of injury and hospitalisation among older adults and individuals with mobility issues, and this policy sets out our approach to risk assessment, prevention, staff training, and incident management.

This policy ensures compliance with:

• The Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016 – Requires care providers to promote safe environments and risk management strategies【32】.
• The Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 – Emphasises preventative approaches to well-being, including fall prevention strategies.
• Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) Regulations – Requires providers to implement effective fall prevention measures as part of health and safety compliance【35】.
• The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 – Places a duty on employers to protect the health, safety, and well-being of service users and staff.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All staff members, including care workers, managers, and administrative staff.
• Service users receiving care and support from {{org_field_name}}.
• Family members, advocates, and external professionals involved in service user care.

It covers:

• Risk factors for falls and injuries.
• Preventative measures to reduce fall risks.
• Roles and responsibilities of staff.
• Training and competency requirements.
• Incident reporting and post-fall management.

3. Identifying Risk Factors for Falls

Staff must be aware of the factors that increase the risk of falls among service users, including:

3.1 Medical and Physical Factors

• Age-related balance decline and frailty.
• Chronic conditions such as osteoporosis, arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, and dementia.
• Medication side effects (e.g., drowsiness, dizziness, or low blood pressure).
• Recent surgery or hospitalisation, leading to temporary weakness.
• Poor vision or hearing impairments affecting spatial awareness.

3.2 Environmental and Home Hazards

• Slippery floors, loose rugs, or poor lighting.
• Cluttered spaces and trip hazards (e.g., wires, furniture obstacles).
• Unsafe stairs or missing handrails.
• Inappropriate footwear or lack of mobility aids.

4. Preventative Measures to Reduce Fall Risks

At {{org_field_name}}, we adopt a proactive approach to prevent falls by implementing the following strategies:

4.1 Comprehensive Risk Assessments

• A Falls Risk Assessment must be conducted for every service user upon admission and reviewed regularly.
• Risk factors must be documented in individual care plans, with tailored prevention strategies.
• Staff should immediately report changes in a service user’s mobility, cognition, or health condition.

4.2 Home Safety Assessments and Environmental Modifications

• Ensure good lighting in hallways, bathrooms, and stairways.
• Remove trip hazards such as rugs, electrical cables, or clutter.
• Ensure handrails and grab bars are installed where necessary.
• Recommend non-slip mats and properly fitted footwear.

4.3 Mobility Support and Assistive Devices

• Assess and provide mobility aids such as walking sticks, frames, and wheelchairs.
• Ensure service users use appropriate footwear to prevent slipping.
• Encourage gentle exercises and physiotherapy to improve strength and balance.

4.4 Medication Reviews

• Work with GPs and pharmacists to regularly review medications that may cause dizziness or drowsiness.
• Monitor for side effects that increase fall risk (e.g., sedatives, blood pressure medications).

4.5 Nutrition and Hydration

• Promote adequate calcium and vitamin D intake to support bone health.
• Ensure service users are hydrated, as dehydration can cause dizziness and confusion.

5. Roles and Responsibilities

5.1 Responsibilities of the Registered Manager

• Oversee fall prevention policies and procedures.
• Ensure all staff receive fall prevention training and competency assessments.
• Ensure compliance with CIW regulations and safety audits.

5.2 Responsibilities of Care Workers

• Conduct daily visual checks of the service user’s environment for hazards.
• Follow care plans and risk assessments for mobility support.
• Encourage safe movement and use of assistive devices.
• Report any fall incidents immediately.

5.3 Responsibilities of Service Users and Families

• Follow safety recommendations provided by care staff.
• Report concerns regarding mobility difficulties.
• Engage in preventative exercises and mobility strategies.

6. Incident Reporting and Post-Fall Management

6.1 Immediate Response to a Fall

If a service user falls, staff must:

1. Assess for injuries – Check for bruising, pain, swelling, or loss of consciousness.
2. Call emergency services (999) if necessary – If the service user has a head injury, significant pain, or is unable to move.
3. Do not move the service user unless safe to do so – If there is a risk of spinal injury, keep them comfortable until medical professionals arrive.
4. Provide reassurance and support – Keep the service user calm and comfortable.
5. Document the fall – Complete an Incident Report Form and update the care plan.

6.2 Post-Fall Review and Prevention

• Conduct a root cause analysis to identify why the fall occurred.
• Adjust the care plan and risk assessments to prevent recurrence.
• Report concerns to family members, medical professionals, and CIW if required.

7. Staff Training and Competency Requirements

• All staff must receive fall prevention training during induction and complete annual refresher courses.
• Training includes:
  • Recognising fall risks and conducting assessments.
  • Safe manual handling and mobility support.
  • Using assistive devices correctly.
  • Emergency response procedures for falls.
• Competency assessments will be conducted to ensure staff can apply fall prevention techniques effectively.

8. Monitoring and Compliance

• Regular safety audits will be conducted to assess environmental hazards and staff compliance.
• Incident reports will be analysed to identify patterns and implement improvements.
• Service user feedback will be gathered to enhance fall prevention strategies.
• CIW will assess fall prevention measures during inspections.

9. Related Policies

This policy should be read in conjunction with:

• Risk Management and Assessment Policy (DCW18).
• Moving and Handling Policy (DCW37).
• Health and Safety at Work Policy (DCW16).
• Emergency and Business Continuity Plan (DCW19).
• Medication Management and Administration Policy (DCW21).

10. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if required by legislative changes, CIW regulations, or operational needs.

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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}}
Copyright © {{current_year}} – {{org_field_name}}. All rights reserved.