Question

(Implement falls prevention strategies)

Case study  

Sally is preparing a falls prevention strategy for Angelo, who she supports in an aged care facility. Angelo is 86, and had two mini strokes that caused him to fall in the past. One fall caused Angelo a minor head injury, and he was momentarily concussed. Both times, Angelo was unable to get up on his own. Angelo is frightened of falling again, so avoids walking around unnecessarily.

Sally wants to encourage Angelo to live independently and safely. Sally uses the facility’s risk assessment forms to assess Angelo’s risk of falling, and has organised Angelo’s carer (his son, Michael) to also be present for the assessment process.

During assessment, Sally interviews Angelo about his feelings about previous falls. Angelo is embarrassed, and doesn’t want to talk about it. When Sally talks to Angelo’s son, Michael, about the falls, Michael says Angelo feels his integrity as a strong man has been weakened by the falls.

Sally in concerned because the falls mean that Angelo refuses to walk unless he really has to. He is not going outside for exercise, and avoids stairs or any uneven surfaces, which limits the activities he can do.

Sally is also concerned that Angelo smokes heavily. She does not know if this increases Angelo’s risk of stroke, but she is worried about his health in general. Angelo also has a poor diet. He doesn't’ eat many vegetables or diary, but eats a lot of sweet food, like pastries.

1. Discuss Angelo’s concern about falling and how he has coped.
2. How can Sally discuss Angelo’s concerns in a manner that is respectful of his privacy, dignity, wishes and beliefs?
3. Discuss the support Michael may provide when addressing Angelo’s potential risk of falling.
4. Identify and explore lifestyle, health and mobility factors that might affect the level of Angelo’s risk.
5. How can Sally determine Angelo’s physical indicators of risk of falls using appropriate tools and methodologies within the scope of her role?
6. How can Sally determine Angelo’s risk factors based on findings in collaboration with a supervisor and/or a relevant health professional? Identify specific health professionals.
7. Identify Angelo’s needs, issues and concerns that may be outside sally’s scope of practice and explain how Sally would refer to an appropriate supervisor, health professional or agency in line with organisation procedures.

Answer 1

#. Discuss Angelo’s concern about falling and how he has coped.

Due to the fear of previous falls and it's complications, Angelo's does not want share his experience too about the falls and also does not walk until and unless it's necessary .Sally helped him to cope with his fear of fall by using the fall prevention strategies and made him independent.

#. How can Sally discuss Angelo’s concerns in a manner that is respectful of his privacy, dignity, wishes and beliefs?

Sally can discuss Angelo’s concerns in a manner that is respectful of his privacy, dignity, wishes and beliefs by providing a culturally competent care and by maintaining privacy and confidentiality

#. Discuss the support Michael may provide when addressing Angelo’s potential risk of falling.

His son Michael can be a great support for him in his crisis situation of fall prevention by providing physical assistance for doing his daily activities and also it provides a feeling of love and belonging .

#. Identify and explore lifestyle, health and mobility factors that might affect the level of Angelo’s risk.

- Regular exercise

- Healthy diet

- Proper orientation , organisation of the room

- Use of good quality slippers

- Keeping the floor dry

- Not leaving the patient alone

- Keeping the side rails of bed up

- Provision of alarm facility