Elements and Performance Criteria
- Elements define the essential outcomes
- Prepare to implement falls prevention strategies
- Determine identified strategies which can be implemented within role and responsibilities and discuss with supervisor or relevant health professional
- Interpret findings of the assessment and explain relevant information to the older person and their carer clarifying any requirements
- 1.3 Seek the older persons’ permission, cooperation and commitment by communicating in a supportive and encouraging manner that is respectful of the older person and their carer's level of understanding, cultural background, needs and rights
- Identify potential risk of falls
- Discuss the older person’s concerns about falling and how they have coped with previous falls in a manner respectful of their privacy, dignity, wishes and beliefs
- Discuss the support of carers where appropriate
- Identify and explore lifestyle, health and mobility factors with the older person, that might affect the level of risk
- Determine the older person’s physical indicators of risk of falls using appropriate tools and methodologies within scope of role
- Determine the older person’s risk factors based on findings in collaboration with supervisor and/or relevant health professional
- Identify the older person’s needs, issues and concerns outside scope of practice and refer to appropriate supervisor, health professional or agency in line with organisation procedures
- Implement falls prevention strategies
- Identify and explain options to minimise the risk of falls and include opportunities for the older person and carer to contribute where appropriate
- Work with the older person and their carers to identify and implement strategies that are consistent with their safety needs, priorities, preferences and specific requirements
- Implement strategies in a safe and effective manner that minimises the older person’s discomfort
- In collaboration with the older person and carers, decide how strategies can be tested and how success will be measured and communicated within the support team
- Monitor falls prevention strategies
- Work with the older person and their carers to review and measure the outcomes of falls prevention strategies
- Share and celebrate positive results with the older person, carers, supervisor or health professional as appropriate
- Identify when and why strategies are not having the desired result and any indicators of increased risk
- Determine future strategies and actions including referral to other services in consultation with the older person, carers and health professional
- Complete, maintain and store all relevant documentation and reports according to organisation policy and protocols