10 tips to prevent falls while you are in the hospital

1. Ask for help to the bathroom. Use the calllight to let the nurse know you need help. Don't test your limits. Get some standby help just in case. The trip to the bathroom may be easier than the trip back. If you are in the bathroom and need help to get back to your bed, use the hand call light in the bathroom to call for help.
2. Wear non-slip footwear or slippers when you walk around your room or to the bathroom.
3. Wear your eye glasses and/or hearing aid(s) when you get up. When you are not wearing them, keep them in a drawer and not on your lunch tray or on top of your bed stand.
4. If family, friends or others have been in your room and moved any furniture, ask the nurse to help move it back. This may prevent you from tripping on misplaced furniture. Don't use furniture, doorknobs, bedrails, or other items to lean on for support. They are not designed to help support you.
5. When you are left alone in your room, ask your nurse or doctor to place the call light and personal items within easy reach. Then you will not have to stretch or lean off the bed to reach them. Do not hesitate to call the nurse when you need to reach for something. Use the hand call light in the bathroom for help.
6. If you are taking some medicines that make you have to go to the bathroom often, ask for help. You may also ask for a bedside commode or urinal. Some medicines may also make you sleepy or dizzy. Always ask for help.
7. Your doctor or nurse may ask you to use a personal alarm (such as a bed alarm or a tab alarm). This will help them know when you may be at risk of falling. If you have IV (intravenous) tubes, call for help when getting out of bed.
8. If you are unsteady, ask for help while you are in the bathroom. Don't be embarrassed that you need help. Your safety comes first!
9. There may be times when your doctor or nurse will use a restraint to keep you as safe as possible.
10. Hospital staff will use lifting equipment to help you transfer out of bed or a chair. Staff members will also work with you to ensure that you actively participate in the activities of daily living.

Related Links

Preventing falls in the hospital: How is Allina doing?

Patient care, safety and satisfaction

Hospital care (hospitalist)

Your rights and responsibilities as a patient

First published: 06/01/2007
Last updated: 06/01/2007

Reviewed by: Allina Patient Education experts