Home Health & Hospice Week

Tip: Ask the experts -- your therapists -- for help. The last thing you need is an assessment program that doesn't adequately curb your patients' chances of falling. As you evaluate what you need to do to prepare for OASIS C, one of the most important areas to consider is your falls prevention program. Falls are the leading cause of serious or fatal injuries among people over 65, studies show. One-third of those over 65 and half of those over 80 fall each year, reports the Home Safety Council of the National Council on Aging. Many of the underlying reasons for falls are well known, including poor vision, previous falls, postural hypotension, etc. However, there are many, such as pets and a walking exercise program, which are less familiar. "We highly recommend that agencies consider implementing a falls risk assessment tool to drive care planning and best practices," says Patricia Tulloch, senior [...]