Falls must not be seen as an inevitable part of ageing. A fall should be seen as an event that needs questioning and investigating to prevent future occurrence. Many falls and injuries as a consequence of a fall are preventable, but not all, particularly within the care home setting where some of the most frail and dependent of our population reside.
However, we should take a preventative approach to the delivery of high-quality care. Best practice is underpinned by appropriate risk assessment, individualised care and support planning, good team communication and following post-fall procedures including reporting
When to report a fall as a safeguarding concern
Report a safeguarding concern in the following circumstances:
- When there is a concern about possible abuse or neglect by another person
- Where there is a general concern about a persons’ safety then please contact the appropriate person i.e. family member, professional etc.
- When a person is identified as being at risk of falls and there is concern that an appropriate risk assessment and care and support plan is not in place or is not being followed i.e. there is evidence of neglect
- When a person sustains a fall, which does or does not result in harm, and there is concern that an appropriate risk assessment and care and support plan is not in place or is not being followed, or that the care and support plan is not updated after the fall i.e. there is evidence of neglect
- Any fall where there is suspected abuse or neglect by a staff member or other person or a failure to follow relevant care and support plans, policies or procedures
- Significant or very significant harm has occurred as a result of the fall
- When a person has an injury, other than a very minor injury, which is unexplained
- When appropriate medical attention has not been sought following a fall
- When appropriate measures have not been taken to maximise the safety of the person from an environmental perspective, including avoiding harm from other clients / service
- Multiple incidents where it is not clear that professional advice or support has been sought at the appropriate time
