Policy Manual sample

MDT Home Health Care Agency, Inc. Actual Falls Any staff member who receives a report of a patient fall will complete a Falls Incident Report, listing any contributing factors and complete a Fall Risk Assessment form. That staff member will then notify the Team Leader or Administrator about the fall and any contributing factors. Administrator or Team Leader will notify physician of any falls and any existing contributing factors. Physician will be asked about possibility of: o Physical Therapy Evaluation for balance and gait assessment, range of motion and strengthening exercises, as well as home exercise program. o Occupational Therapy Evaluation for home safety assessment and assessment for any possible adaptive equipment needs. o Social Work Evaluation for possible resource procurement to explore options for more assistance, respite care referral, sitter services or other needs. o Dietitian Evaluation for adequacy of nutrition intake, education about needed changes in diet for improved nutrition intake and assessment for possible Vitamin D deficiency (studies have shown that a Vitamin D deficiency can be linked to decreased muscle strength, especially in women –– benefit of Vitamin D supplement is shown to take 6 weeks to 6 months before it is evident). o Skilled Nursing increase in services for ““Fall Precautions”” for two weeks after a fall, which will include two times per week visits for two weeks for orthostatic blood pressure checks, repeat Fall Risk Assessment each week or as needed and evaluation of any medications which may have contributed to the fall. Repeat Fallers Patients who have fallen more than once and have completed the above evaluation and education process will be evaluated on an individual basis. Their physician will be notified each time the patient falls and asked for repeat referrals to the above services if a possible benefit can be projected. If all services have completed evaluations and education and falls are still occurring, the physician will be notified. Assessment will also be made of the risk to Agency staff in continuing provision of care to this patient, in a situation where environmental factors are contributing to the patient’’s fall. If, at any time, the patient’’s home environment places Agency staff at risk, the Agency Discharge Policy will be implemented. Home Health Agency Nursing Care & Procedures K-123