Ensuring the safety of residents is a top priority for any assisted living facility administrator. With an aging population, however, the challenges of managing falls are becoming increasingly pronounced. Many innovative assisted-living facilities are implementing new fall management strategies and technologies to protect the well-being and safety of their residents. In this blog, we provide insights into proactive measures that can significantly enhance the safety of your residents and the benefits that innovative solutions like those offered by Joerns can provide to your facility.
The Challenge of Falls in Assisted Living Facilities
Falls among elderly residents are a critical concern in assisted living facilities. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths among adults aged 65 and older. Falls impact not only the well-being of residents but also the facility’s reputation.
Managing falls in assisted living facilities is complicated by regulatory restrictions on the use of lifts and other assistive devices. Administrators must navigate these regulations while ensuring that their staff are equipped to support residents safely and effectively in an environment where falls are more likely.
Strategies for Managing Falls
When it comes to falls, it is important to have a plan that includes both fall prevention and strategies for managing falls when they do occur. Developing and implementing effective fall prevention and management strategies is essential for any assisted living facility that cares about the well-being of its residents. There are several vital components to any fall management strategy. These include:
- Staff training – Continuous education and training programs keep staff updated on the best practices and new methods in falls management. This ongoing investment in staff education ensures they are prepared to provide the safest care possible and respond accordingly to a fall.
- Environmental modifications – Simple environmental changes can make a significant difference in preventing and managing falls. Installing grab bars, handrails, and non-slip flooring provides residents with the support they need to move around safely. Ensuring proper lighting and maintaining clutter-free pathways can further reduce the risk of accidents.
- Assistive devices – Incorporating assistive devices into daily care routines can significantly enhance safety. These can range from simple walkers to non-powered transfer devices, like the Hoyer Up, that provide a high level of support while still being appropriate for assisted living facilities.
Introduction to Joerns Mangar Products
While preventing falls is ideal, the unfortunate truth is that they are still likely to happen, especially in assisted living facilities where higher-risk adults live with a relatively high level of independence. When falls occur, having the right equipment to respond for managing falls can enable a rapid and effective response without necessitating unnecessary 911 calls.
Joerns Mangar Products stand out as innovative solutions that meet regulatory restrictions on lifts while still providing mechanical support that enhances resident safety. Joerns Mangar Products, such as the Mangar Camel and Mangar Elk, are designed to help lift residents safely from the ground with minimal physical effort from caregivers. These assistive devices are compliant with assisted living facility regulations while also providing a dignified and safe experience for residents who have fallen.
Keeping Assisted Living Facilities on the Leading Edge of Care
At Joerns, we are dedicated to helping assisted living facilities optimize the safety and well-being of their residents by using cutting-edge fall technologies. Our solutions are customized to each assisted living facility’s unique needs. We don’t just sell equipment; we build partnerships. Joerns will work with your facility to provide ongoing support and training to ensure staff use their products proficiently. This collaboration fosters a culture of safety and innovation, keeping facilities at the forefront of care.
Joerns Mangar Products helps facilities provide fall response technologies, while the Hoyer Up aids in fall prevention. All while complying with existing regulations for assisted living facilities, partnering with Joerns also helps your facility adapt to future changes. By staying ahead of industry trends and regulatory updates, you can ensure that your products and solutions will remain relevant and effective, providing residents with the best environment possible.
Conclusion
Managing falls in assisted living facilities is a critical aspect of safety in assisted living facilities. Implementing effective falls management strategies, such as staff training, environmental modifications, and the use of assistive devices, can significantly reduce the risk of falls. Joerns Products play a pivotal role in this effort, offering innovative solutions that enhance resident care while complying with regulatory standards on what lifting equipment assisted living facilities can use.
We encourage assisted living facility administrators to prioritize resident safety by exploring the comprehensive solutions we offer. By doing so, they can stay ahead in the field of assisted living care, ensuring that their facilities provide the safest and most supportive environment for their residents.