How to Prevent Falls at the Hospital and at Home

Children who are sick or in the hospital can be at risk for falls, which can lead to injury and interfere with their care. Falls, or fear of falling, can also create stress and worry for patients and families. You can help keep your child safe by knowing their risk for falls and taking steps for fall prevention.

Factors that increase fall risk

• Recent anesthesia or sedation for a medical test or procedure
• History of falling
• Weakness or dizziness
• Problems with balance or coordination
• Unfamiliar surroundings
• Younger age or earlier stage of physical or mental development
• Certain medicines
• Problems walking because of pain, stiff joints, tight muscles, or leg weakness
• Change in mental status or brain function, such as confusion, decreased alertness, disorientation, problems thinking, or impulsive behavior
• Loss of feeling in legs and feet because of illness or treatment, such as peripheral neuropathy
• Seizure disorders
• Weight loss or gain over a short period of time
• Use of assistive devices such as canes, crutches, walkers, or wheelchairs

How to prevent falls in the hospital

Your child's fall risk can increase in the hospital because of illness, procedures, medicines, and changes in environment and routine. Medical devices and equipment can interfere with movement or cause your child to trip. Your child may need to wear a special hospital bracelet if they have an increased risk of falls.

Ways to help prevent falls in the hospital include:

• Remind your child to move slowly when getting up from a bed or chair.
• Watch out for medical equipment like IVs and feeding tubes that can get in the way of movement.
• Keep the side rails of the hospital bed up, and keep the bed in the lowest position.
• Have a family or staff member present any time your child is in a hospital bed.
• Help your child become familiar with the hospital or new surroundings.
• Do not allow children to play, stand, or ride on rolling stools, chairs, or IV poles.
• Help your child with tasks such as getting on and off exam tables or using the bathroom.
• Do not let your child get up and walk too soon after sedation or anesthesia. Use a wheelchair or wagon if your child is unsteady.

A wagon or wheelchair can help your child get around safely if they have trouble walking on their own or get tired easily.

Tips to help prevent falls

Whether at home or in the hospital, there are some easy ways you can help your child prevent falls. These include:

• Use foot braces, crutches, wheelchair, walker, or cane if recommended.
• Wear non-slip, supportive shoes that fit well. Avoid flip flops or shoes that are too big or that may cause tripping. Keep shoelaces tied. 
• If walking in socks, make sure socks have grips on the bottom to prevent slipping.
• Check that clothing fits well and does not get in the way of movement.
• Encourage walking instead of running, skipping, or jumping.
• Pay attention to surroundings.
• Avoid distractions like cell phones when walking.
• Limit stair use when possible. Go slowly when using the stairs, and hold onto the rail.
• Avoid clutter, especially on the floor. Keep stairs and walkways free of objects. Keep cords out of the way.
• Turn on lights when moving around. Use night lights, especially in hallways, bathrooms, and stairs.
• Secure rugs to the floor with tacks, non-skid pads, or double-sided tape.
• Use door mats and bath mats to keep water off floors. Clean up spills that make floors slippery.
• Watch out for uneven surfaces, pets, toys, or other items that can cause tripping.

How to prevent falls at home

Many falls at home can be prevented by taking simple actions:

• Be aware. Look around for common fall risks.
• Remove tripping hazards and obstacles.
• Help children understand why they need to be careful and what they should watch out for.
• Use assistive devices if they are needed. Your care team can help you plan for patient-care aids such as mobility devices, non-slip bath mats, shower chairs, grab rails for the bath and toilet, portable toilet chairs, transfer boards, bed rails, and wheelchair ramps.

If falls become a problem, talk to your care team. Services such as physical therapy can help strengthen the muscles needed for balance and safe movement to decrease your child's risk of falls.

For more information

If you have questions about how to prevent falls at home or in the hospital, talk to your health care team.

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