In this video, we’ll show what you can do to avoid falling while you’re in the hospital.
Show transcript
In this video, we’ll show what you can do to avoid falling while you’re in the hospital.
Anyone can fall, no matter how young, old, or physically fit you are.
We know at home you may be able to do your daily activities on your own or with your caregiver’s help, but lots of things can make you more likely to fall while you’re in the hospital.
Even if you come to MSK often and feel comfortable here, your hospital room is different than the space you’re used to at home. The floors might be harder, and lots of the furniture will move on wheels.
You may have medical tubes, drains, or devices that can pull or get tangled.
You might also get medicines or treatments that affect your ability to safely stand up and walk by yourself. This can put you at risk for falling.
If you fall, you can be seriously hurt. Falling can make your hospital stay longer or slow down your recovery.
That’s why it’s important to do what you can to avoid falling. We’re here to work together with you to keep you safe.
We’re specially trained to help you stay safe while you recover. We’ll assess your risk of falling and make a safety plan for you.
Here are some things you can do to help us keep you safe from falling.
When you’re admitted to the hospital, we’ll give you a pair of nonskid socks. Wear the socks all the time unless we say it’s safe for you to wear shoes.
If you use eyeglasses or hearing aids, wear them whenever you’re awake. It’s important that you can see and hear as clearly as possible.
Use your call bell every time you need to get out of bed or stand up from your chair. We’ll come help you as soon as we can. Do not get up on your own or let your family members, caregiver, or other visitors help you.
You may have a bed alarm to help us keep you safe. If you start to get up from bed without help from your care team, you’ll hear beeps and a voice from the bed speaker telling you to stay in bed. That means help is on the way.
You should also use your call bell if you have pain or aren’t comfortable in the position you’re in, if you need to get an item that’s out of reach, or if you drop something. Do not reach out of bed or bend over on your own.
Every time we come to help you move, tell us if you feel dizzy or weak. This helps us safely plan what to do to help.
We might recommend using a cane, walker, or wheelchair when you move around. Only use the things we recommend. Do not use your bedside table or IV pole for support when you move. They may be unstable or have wheels that can move unexpectedly.
Let us help you to the bathroom. Do not walk there alone.
We might need to go into the bathroom with you to make sure you’re safe. We’ll do everything we can to respect your privacy and make you feel comfortable.
Your nurse might also talk with you about using a commode or bedpan instead of moving to the toilet.
Please don’t let your family members, caregiver, or any other visitors move you out of bed or help you walk. Use your call bell. We want to help you. It’s never a bother.
If you have questions about ways to avoid falling, talk with your healthcare provider. You can also find more information on our website. Go to www.msk.org/pe and search “falls” or point your smartphone’s camera at the QR code on this screen.
