Safety Precautions

What You Can Do to Prevent Falls While in the Hospital

Falls are not just the result of getting older. Many falls can be prevented. Falls are usually caused by a number of things. By changing some of these things, you can lower your chances of falling.

• Keep cane, walker, or other assistive device within reach.


• Call nurse for assistance when you need to get up.


• When moving from one position to another, such as either from the bed to sitting or from a chair to standing, the person should pause for a couple of moments to let the blood pressure adjust and to orient to the new position.


• Wear non-slip shoes or slippers when walking in the room or hallway. Please don't walk barefoot or only in sock or stocking clad feet.


• When walking in the hallway, please notice that handrails are available for use if you feel weak or dizzy.


• Please do not get up without assistance or without notifying a nurse if you have had any pain medication or sleeping medication within the last 4 hours.


• When moving from a dark to bright-lighted environment or the reverse, the person should pause a second to allow the eyes to accommodate to the change in light.


• Bedside commodes are available if you have any difficulty ambulating to the bathroom, or are on fluid pills, or have trouble controlling your bladder.


• Keep the room free of clutter. Closets and bedside tables are available for your personal belongings.


• If you feel weak or dizzy and feel like you are going to pass out, ease yourself down to a sitting position until help arrives.