Fall Prevention

People with cancer who fall are often more at risk of serious injury or even death because of bone weakness and/or low platelets.  Some of the reasons for the increased fall risk are: certain medications, bone involvement of the cancer, dizziness, low blood counts, urinary or bowel changes and numbness in the feet from chemotherapy. One of the myths about falls is that there is nothing you can do to prevent them... this isn't true! Click here for more information on what you can do to for fall prevention.

Falls and Footwear

Did you know that the shoes you wear make a difference in your fall risk?  Improper footwear is a leading cause of falls.  Read more about the potential Killers in Your Closet.

Outpatient Fall Risk Assessment

At the SCCA clinic, our Registered Nurses conduct an Outpatient Fall Risk Assessment (OFRA).  The OFRA is a tool that helps the nurse learn about your fall risk.  Your nurse will review your chart, look at the medications you take and ask you a few questions related to falling, like “have you fallen in the last year?” and “do you have problems with dizziness?”  The assessment takes about 2 minutes.  Patients with higher scores have more risk factors for falling.

Fall Prevention in the SCCA Clinic

Because we care for people with cancer, we do several things at the SCCA to help our patients prevent falls.   Since we have begun our Fall Prevention Program, the number of patients that fall in our clinic has decreased.  Read more about our Fall Prevention Program.

How can you Partner with us to Prevent Falls at the SCCA clinic?

We rely upon our patients and their caregivers partnering with us for maximum safety.  There are many things you can do to help us help you.  Read more about partnering with us to keep you safe. 

 

 

Last Updated: May 2007