Module 1

When People Fall: Prevention for Those at Risk Addresses: (Sample Pages) This is one of the modules in the Teaching and Learning to Care: Training for Caregivers in Long Term Care (TLC for LTC) series. TLC for LTC includes a total of six clinical modules and is directed to meeting the needs of Staff Development Educators, those in long term care who are responsible for staff education, and instructors or those who teach an individual class session. Falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths among people age 65 years and older. This module is designed to assist facilities in their efforts to reduce the number of falls and injuries due to falls. The module reviews risk factors and common causes that are associated with falls including age-related risk factors, cognitive loss, health problems and environmental conditions; what an assessment after a fall should include; strategies to compensate for physical impairment, cognitive loss, and incontinence; and components of a prevention and management program including education. The video segment provides a review of the elements of a falls-prevention program filmed at a continuing care community. This is a self contained instructional module of 20-30 minutes and includes all materials for planning and conducting staff education: planning materials for the staff development educator, all materials for the instructor including overheads and video, and handouts for participants. Module One: Objectives: At the end of this module, direct care staff will be able to: Identify the risk factors that are associated with falls Discuss the common reasons for nighttime falls Discuss strategies to prevent nighttime falls Describe the components of a program that the facility may use to prevent falls These components include: Individualized Resident Assessment and Care Planning A safe and enabling environment Fitness and activity programs Education of residents, staff and residents' families and Performance Improvement Activity