Episode Details

Fall Prevention Strategies for the Elderly: Insights from Hospice Explained

In episode 128 of Hospice Explained, host Marie Betcher, RN, discusses crucial fall prevention strategies for the elderly. She shares a personal experience with falling and highlights various factors contributing to falls, including age, medication, environmental hazards, and pride. Marie emphasizes the importance of clear walking spaces, proper footwear, reviewing medications with healthcare providers, and the benefits of physical therapy. She also advises on handling falls if they occur, especially for hospice patients, and the importance of using tools like the Physician Order for Life Sustaining Treatment (POLST) form for preventing hospital transport, if needed to get the Fire Dept. for a "Mercy Lift".