How Nursing Homes Should Follow Patient-Centered Approaches in Fall Risk Assessment

What’s So Special About Patient-Centered Care?

Patient-centered care isn’t just another buzzword. It’s a shift in focus, a pivot from traditional medical practices that put the system before the individual. In essence, it means looking at residents as unique individuals with distinct needs, preferences, and histories. It is something every nursing home should do for your loved one.

The Status Quo: Where We’re Falling Short

Currently, many nursing homes utilize a sort of one-size-fits-all approach, ticking off boxes on a generic risk assessment checklist. While that’s certainly better than flying blind, it often misses the nuances that could make a world of difference.

The Role of Personalized Health Histories

Nursing homes need to dig into medical histories, interview family members, and not ignore what residents share about their past. Every bit counts. However, many nursing homes fail to conduct these thorough interviews and fail to put in place interventions that could prevent routine falls.

Tailoring the Environment: Small Changes, Big Impact

Patient-centered care also means making environmental adjustments specific to the needs of individual residents. That may mean regular toileting programs for incontinent residents, ordering a wheelchair with a wedge cushion or reclining back to prevent a resident from slumping over and falling forward. Often it may mean just placing those high risk residents near the nurses station so they can be supervised more closely.

Continuous Feedback Loop: It’s a Journey, Not a Destination

Patient-centered fall risk assessment isn’t a one-time event; it’s an ongoing process. Continuous feedback and adjustments are vital to ensuring that the assessment remains accurate and effective.

Aligning with State and Federal Guidelines

This isn’t some renegade idea; it’s backed by both state and federal guidelines. Both Florida laws and federal regulations like F-Tag 689 support individualized, patient-centered approaches to care, including fall prevention.

The Final Word: Why This Matters

This isn’t just about compliance or avoiding lawsuits; it’s about dignity, respect, and the quality of life for residents. By adopting a patient-centered approach to fall risk assessment, nursing homes can make strides in providing safer, more effective care.

So, the next time you see a fall risk assessment being conducted, ask yourself: Is this truly individualized, or are we just going through the motions?

Call 407.612.6464 • 863.324.3500 today to speak with an experienced Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Lawyer who proudly serves Lakeland, Orlando, and throughout the State of Florida.