Supporting residents and visitors safely

This course does not teach comprehensive falls assessment, but care staff must recognise how the environment affects wellbeing. The same wet floor, poor lighting or cluttered route can pose different hazards for staff, residents, visitors or contractors.

Resident factors that can increase risk

• Mobility and balance: frailty, weakness, pain, stroke, Parkinson's disease, arthritis, dizziness or recent illness.
• Cognition and perception: dementia, delirium, confusion, poor judgement, visual misinterpretation, impulsivity or anxiety.
• Vision and hearing: reduced sight, glare sensitivity, poor contrast, hearing difficulty or missed warnings.
• Medication and health changes: sedatives, blood-pressure medicines, pain medicines, infection, dehydration or low blood pressure may increase falls risk.
• Continence urgency: rushing to the toilet can make residents ignore hazards or move without usual support.
• Footwear and aids: loose slippers, missing glasses or hearing aids, inaccessible walking frames or poorly positioned call bells can all increase risk.

Staff should follow the person's care plan, moving and handling plan and local falls guidance. If you notice new unsteadiness, repeated near misses, sudden confusion, reluctance to use an aid, poor footwear or a resident attempting to walk unsupported, report it promptly so the plan can be reviewed.

Visitors and contractors

Visitors may be unfamiliar with the layout, routines or hazards. Contractors can bring tools, cables or temporary equipment. Staff should challenge blocked routes, keep visitors away from unsafe areas, report hazards created by contractors and ensure temporary works do not leave residents exposed to risk.

Resident falls assessment boundary

Environmental safety is part of person-led care. Safer routes help residents keep confidence, dignity and independence.