Call to speak with a Quality of Life Expert 1-866-738-6552

Fall Prevention in Nursing Homes

  • 2025-01-24
  • Reading time: 8 min.
Group of friends in nursing home sitting safely at the table, laughing and enjoying life.

Table of Contents

About Falls in Nursing Homes

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are the leading cause of injury and injury-related death among older adults, with one in four adults 65 and older experiencing a fall each year1. When seniors can no longer age in place2 independently, a nursing home offers a supportive, controlled environment with around-the-clock skilled nursing care and supervision. Fall prevention in nursing homes is a priority, with strict protocols to enhance residents’ safety and well-being.

Sadly, and despite all these safety measures, countless nursing home residents fall each year, resulting in physical injuries, emotional trauma, and increased healthcare costs3. Additionally, caregivers face workplace challenges while assisting residents, including fatigue, back pain, and musculoskeletal injuries. Thankfully, nursing homes can prioritize fall prevention for seniors and enhance staff safety and well-being by taking the appropriate steps, including those that follow.

Caregiver and resident in nursing home sitting at the table talking and smiling.

Why Is Fall Prevention in Nursing Homes a Priority?

Nursing home falls are much more than an inconvenience. They can be life-altering for residents, with implications extending well beyond immediate physical injuries, impacting their quality of life and dignity. Common fall-related injuries include fractures (particularly hip, wrist, and spine fractures), traumatic brain injuries, contusions, and lacerations. These injuries can cause a downward spiral in health, with many seniors developing a fear of falling4, leading to decreased mobility, social withdrawal, and a decline in physical health.

Recovering from a fall can take months and, in some cases, may permanently alter a resident’s level of independence. Furthermore, falls can permanently damage a nursing home’s reputation, exposing them to legal and regulatory actions that can place their business operations at risk. For all these reasons, fall prevention in nursing homes must be a priority.

Let’s Talk About Fall Prevention
Caregiver in nursing home transporting resident to the common room safely seated in the VELA Independence Chair.

Potential Interventions for Falls in Nursing Homes

Nursing homes can significantly reduce fall-related incidents by creating a culture of safety and awareness among staff and residents. While prevention strategies vary, these interventions are vital for minimizing the risk of falls and workplace injuries in nursing homes:

  • Resident Risk Assessments: Conducting routine assessments to identify residents at high risk for falls can guide individualized interventions. However, limitations include staff time constraints and varying degrees of resident cooperation during assessments.
  • Environmental Modifications: It is crucial to ensure that common areas are free of hazards (clutter, slippery surfaces, poor lighting, etc.). Despite being beneficial, changes can be labor-intensive and may not adequately address personal room hazards where residents spend significant time.
  • Staff Training: Supervisors must prioritize continuous education for nursing home staff on safe transfer techniques and other fall prevention aspects. Conversely, staff turnover and the job’s physical demands can keep caregivers from following best practices.
  • Resident Training Programs: Implementing resident exercise programs that improve strength and balance can help reduce fall risk. That said, not all residents may be physically capable or willing to participate in such programs.
  • Assistive Devices: Encouraging the use of mobility aids, such as walkers, rollators, and canes, can promote resident independence and safety. However, reliance on these aids can sometimes lead to a false sense of security, resulting in accidents when devices are not used correctly.
Enhance Safety Today
Senior residents in nursing home enjoying a meal safely and with no risk of falling.

Supporting Fall Prevention in Nursing Homes with the VELA Independence Chair

As a nursing home caregiver, imagine a day when you experience minimal strain on your body while helping residents perform their daily routines. Picture yourself conserving precious energy while getting residents to the dining room table or assisting them with their personal care needs while standing upright. With the VELA Independence Chair, these dreams can be a welcomed reality, empowering you to avoid workplace injuries while helping residents minimize their risk of falling.

As a valuable addition to any nursing home fall prevention strategy, the innovative VELA Independence Chair supports the safety and well-being of caregivers and residents in these ways:

Streamlined Mobility

The Independence Chair’s smooth-rolling wheels allow staff to effortlessly transport residents to various locations, including the activity room or hair salon, minus the risk of sudden movements or falls that may occur during manual lifting. Once you’ve arrived at your destination, use the handbrake to lock the wheels securely in place, eliminating hazards associated with the improper use of traditional mobility aids.

Safety and Stability

A VELA Chair is equipped with a sturdy brake, supportive seat, and stable armrests, making it easy and safe for residents to sit down and stand. Once the wheels are locked, these features significantly reduce the risk associated with transitioning from a sitting to a standing position. Residents can also watch TV or sit at a table without worrying about falling, encouraging them to engage in activities that promote much-needed socialization5.

User-Friendly Controls

An accessible button allows staff to adjust the chair’s height for various activities, promoting a safer and more accommodating setting for personal care tasks, meals, and other daily activities. This enhanced adaptability caters to the diverse needs of residents and caregivers alike, supporting their safety and well-being.

Ergonomic Workplace

The VELA Independence Chair’s unique design promotes ergonomic best practices, easing the physical demands on caregivers. Body mechanics are optimized, allowing staff to assist residents more comfortably and effectively with minimal bending or strain. For residents, the chair’s ergonomic features, including a padded seat, armrests, and backrest, ensure long-term comfort when engaging in activities and interacting with fellow residents.

Furthermore, caregivers can use the electric seat height adjustment to facilitate safe transfers and sit-to-stand assistance, minimizing physical exertion on their bodies.

Return-on-Investment

With its durable construction and high-quality materials, a VELA Chair is built to withstand heavy use. When properly maintained, it lasts for many years and can be used by multiple users, delivering a strong return on investment while maintaining high standards of safety.
When you’re an administrator or supervisor, investing in a VELA Independence Chair is investing in the safety and well-being of your residents and staff. As a family member, getting your senior a nursing home mobility chair is also a wise investment, helping ensure they can avoid preventable falls that keep them from leading a more active and fulfilling life.

Could the VELA Independence Chair prevent you or someone you know from suffering falls in a nursing home?

Let’s Talk About Your Options

Final Thoughts About Fall Prevention in Nursing Homes

Fall prevention continues to be a relevant topic in nursing homes across America. When discussing interventions for falls in nursing homes, you must address several factors and how they impact caregivers and residents. As an ergonomic mobility solution, a VELA Independence Chair offers the best of both worlds, optimizing staff efficiency and comfort, as well as resident safety and well-being.

Get the Product

We Speak by Experience

All content draws upon more than 50 years of development and experience with VELA Chairs, encompassing the sale of over 500,000 chairs worldwide. This page has been created in partnership with the author.