Exam Pass Notes

Use these notes for a final review before the assessment. They summarise the course key points but do not replace your local falls policy, post-fall procedure, clinical escalation route or the person's current care plan.

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Core principles to remember

• Falls prevention in care settings is person-centred and involves multiple factors. It is not explained by a single score, cause or piece of equipment.
• People in residential care should have a comprehensive falls assessment. Care staff support this by spotting change, following the agreed plan and escalating concerns.
• Common risk factors include poor balance, muscle weakness, recent falls, unsuitable footwear, missing glasses, urgency to reach the toilet, poor fluid intake, dizziness, medicine effects, confusion or delirium and an unsafe environment.
• A near miss matters. A stumble, grabbing furniture or an almost-fall can indicate increased risk.
• Falls prevention should support safe independence and avoid restricting movement for convenience.

Practical care-staff reminders

• Keep walking aids, glasses, hearing aids, appropriate footwear and call bells within safe reach.
• Check lighting, furniture layout, clear routes, bathroom access and night-time arrangements.
• Be alert for rushing to the toilet, standing up quickly, dizziness, reduced fluid intake, new weakness and changes after illness or hospital discharge.
• Report medicine changes, new drowsiness, new confusion, repeated near misses and unexplained finds on the floor without delay.
• Follow the current falls and mobility plan, and request a review when the plan no longer fits the person's needs.

After a fall

• Stay calm, call for help and follow the local post-fall procedure.
• Do not rush to lift someone; first consider pain, possible injury and what caused the fall.
• Use only approved techniques and equipment within your training and local procedure.
• Record the event clearly so the next shift understands what happened and what needs to change.
• Review contributing factors: health, medicines, continence, hydration, environment, access to aids and whether the care plan remains suitable.

For the exam, remember the shape of safe practice: notice change, check the basics, support safe movement, follow the plan, respond safely after a fall and escalate early.