What does it mean to have a patient on "fall precautions"?

Having a patient on "fall precautions" indicates that the patient is identified to be at an increased risk for falling. This status is typically determined through various assessments, which may take into account factors like age, balance issues, mobility limitations, certain medications, or medical conditions that could contribute to falls.

To mitigate this risk, healthcare providers implement specific measures and protocols designed to ensure the patient's safety. These may include keeping the patient's environment free from hazards, ensuring they have appropriate footwear, providing assistive devices if necessary, and educating the patient about safety practices. The goal of fall precautions is to minimize the potential for harm while allowing the patient as much independence and mobility as is safe.