Fall Prevention: Guidance on Change of Condition

Whenever a long-term care resident develops an acute illness, such as a urinary tract infection, pneumonia, or a fall in blood sugar, for example, the individual is said to be undergoing a ‘change in condition’(COC). Any sudden illness that causes COC can increase the risk of falling. This is well known by the nursing staff. However, there are a host of changes that can occur to a resident’s physical status (such as in their ability to walk and keep balance) or cognitive status (such as an inability to understand conversation), which can place individuals at risk of falling, but their presentation may not be as dramatic as an acute illness. The ability to detect COC at its easiest stages in residents who are at fall risk can greatly improve the ability to prevent falls from occurring. Small changes may go unnoticed unless the caregiver knows what to look for. The purpose of this course is to assist nursing and other staff in long -term care facilities (nursing homes and assisted living facilities) in identifying and recognizing COC in common health conditions that place residents at risk of falling.