Slippery Slopes: How Nursing Homes Can Tackle Fall Risks

Falls in nursing homes are a big deal. They mess with residents' health and happiness. While hospitals and community settings have made strides in preventing falls, nursing homes are still playing catch-up. These places are unique. Residents need lots of help, and resources are tight. This makes managing fall risks tricky. A recent look at studies from 2019 to 2024 aimed to gather what we know about assessing and preventing falls in nursing homes. The goal was to find practical tips and spot gaps in our knowledge. The search dug into PubMed and CINAHL databases. Keywords like "Accident Prevention" and "Fall Risk Assessment" were used. Only recent, relevant studies about long-term care facilities were included. Community and hospital settings were left out. Fifty-five studies were analyzed. Half focused on assessing fall risks. The Morse Fall Scale, used in hospitals, was a common tool. New methods using electronic health records and wearable devices were also explored. But, creating indicators that fit long-term care facilities is tough. The other half of the studies looked at preventing falls. Changes to the environment, exercise programs, and staff training were key. Most studies were done in controlled settings, though. Real-world use in nursing homes is still a question mark. The big takeaway? Fall risk assessments in nursing homes need better tools. Digital technologies are promising, but we need more proof they work in real life. Nursing homes face unique challenges. Tailored solutions are a must.