Addressing Addressing Falls & ElopementFalls & Elopement

Budgie Amparo Senior VP of Quality and Risk ManagementEmeritus Senior Living

Falls Falls

Falling is a problem characterized by the failure to maintain an appropriate lying, sitting, or standing position, resulting in

an individual’s sudden, unintentional relocation either to the ground or into

contact with another object below his or her standing point

Address Falls & ElopementAddress Falls & ElopementUsing The 4 Quadrants GuideUsing The 4 Quadrants Guide

ASSESSMENT

• Accuracy

• Timeliness

• Consistency

PREVENTION

• Systems

• Training

• Follow-up

EXPECTATION

• Disclosures

• Communication

• Realistic

DOCUMENTATION

• Prudent

• Integrity

• Complete

Elopements/WanderingElopements/Wandering

In dementia literature, wandering is described as a common neuropsychiatric symptom, possible a means of communication: In patients/residents

with dementia reasoning and language skills are gradually lost and communication becomes more overtly behavioral, so behavioral like

wandering may represent an attempt to express needs that cannot be expressed adequately with language-just as young children’s crying and temper tantrums are not necessarily problem

behaviors but a means of communication

ReputationReputation

MediaMediaRegulatoryRegulatory

MonetaryMonetary

LitigationLitigation

Falls & Elopement ExposureFalls & Elopement Exposure

Resident Name:___________________________________________ Date: ______________ Physician: ________________________________________________Apt. Number: _______

(Name of community) is committed to quality care of all residents. In an effort to provide optimal care, it is necessary to build a partnership between physicians, family members, and facility staff to best serve the resident. In that endeavor, family involvement in the treatments, interventions, and approaches is an integral part of the over-all care approach.

According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) In the United States, one of every three adults 65 years old or older falls each year. Falls are the leading cause of injury deaths among people 65 years and older. Of all fall deaths, more than 60% involve people who are 75 years or older. Among older adults, falls are the most common cause of injuries and hospital admissions for trauma. Falls account for 87% of all fractures for people 65 years and older. They are also the second leading cause of spinal cord and brain injury among older adults. According to the CDC, for adults 65 years old or older, 60% of fatal falls happen at home, 30% occur in public places, and 10% occur in health care institutions.

• Hip Fractures: Of all fractures from falls, hip fractures cause the greatest number of deaths and lead to the most severe health problems. Half of all older adults hospitalized for hip fractures cannot return home or live independently after their injuries.

• Factors Related to Falls: Factors that contribute to falls include problems with gait and balance, neurological and musculoskeletal disabilities, psychoactive medication use, dementia and visual impairment.

• It is important to note that different patients experience different symptoms. Due to the above listed conditions, the resident is at risk for falls, may suffer adverse accidents, symptoms, or outcomes that are a result of these conditions. The family acknowledges that the intimate relationship between the resident and resident family is a critical element in identifying all of the above symptoms. The facility staff requests that the family report immediately to facility staff all information regarding changes in condition such as (but not limited to) change in appetite, balance, personality, weight, skin condition, etc. By signing, the family member acknowledges the symptoms and risks associated with the risks for falls and agrees that their involvement in the care, treatments, interventions and approaches is a necessary part of a successful care plan for (Name of Resident)____________________________.

_________________________________________ _________________________ Signature of Responsible Party Date

Fall Risk Disclosure Sample