Falls among residents in assisted living facilities are a significant concern, with approximately 8 million falls occurring annually across the United States. These incidents not only jeopardize the health and safety of residents but also lead to substantial financial and operational burdens for the facilities. Fortunately, a substantial portion of these falls—between 1.6 million to 2.4 million, or 20-30%—are potentially preventable with the right strategies and interventions^[1].

Understanding the Causes of Falls^[2]

Falls in assisted living facilities can result from a variety of factors, which include:

Effective Prevention Strategies^[3]

Preventing falls requires a comprehensive approach that addresses the various risk factors. Key strategies include: 

Every $1 Spent on Fall Prevention Yields $2.86 in Benefits^[4]

Investing in fall prevention strategies not only enhances the safety and well-being of residents but also offers significant cost savings. Preventing falls could save billions in healthcare costs. A study revealed a benefit-to-cost ratio of 2.86:1 for total care costs, highlighting the economic efficiency of implementing these measures. The benefit-to-cost ratio of 2.86:1 means that for every $1 spent on the intervention, there was a return of $2.86 in benefits. Additionally, reducing falls can lead to significant staff time savings, allowing for better allocation of resources and improved operational efficiency.^[5]

The Power of Fall Prevention

Fall prevention has a significant impact beyond financial savings. Reducing falls in assisted living facilities enhances residents’ quality of life by fostering safety, security, and independence. It also improves operational efficiency, allowing staff to focus on quality care instead of emergencies, which boosts job satisfaction.

Addressing the root causes of falls with effective prevention strategies can greatly reduce incidents, save healthcare costs, and improve resident well-being. Prioritizing fall prevention is a wise decision that benefits residents, staff, and the facility as a whole. 

Want to prevent falls in your facility? Book a demo today and discover how Helpany can support your efforts in fall prevention.

^{[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6228283/
https://www.safely-you.com/blog/state-of-falls-report/}

^{[2] https://www.relias.com/blog/reducing-preventing-falls-elderly-adults
https://www.brookfieldseniors.com/blog/fall-prevention-seniors-assisted-living
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6943910/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6228283/}

^{[3] https://terrylawoffice.com/what-are-the-leading-reasons-why-nursing-home-residents-fall/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6228283/
https://www.milanfarlaw.com/blog/2021/11/5-leading-causes-of-falls-in-nursing-homes/
https://www.goldenbergheller.com/fall-injuries-in-assisted-living-facilities/}

^{[4] https://nsuworks.nova.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1066&context=hpd_con_stuetd
https://www.relias.com/blog/reducing-preventing-falls-elderly-adults
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6228283/}

^{[5] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0531556520305210
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3305832/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8525694/}