Skilled Nursing Facility

• Identify and report unsafe conditions.
• Avoid excessive use of sedatives.
• Refer unsteady Pts to PT or OT.
• Teach the correct use of assistive devices.
• Review medication record.
• Emphasize need to change body position gradually.
• Encourage strength and range-of-motion exercises.
• Teach about appropriate attire (e.g., sturdy shoes).
• Inform provider of recent changes in hearing, vision, or physical abilities.
• Notify provider of untoward effects of meds.

At Home

• Arrange furniture to ensure unobstructed pathway.
• Keep all pathways well-lit.
• Install lights and light switches at top and bottom of stairs.
• Ensure excess cords are coiled and next to wall.
• Avoid using throw rugs.
• Fix uneven or damaged steps, and install handrails on both sides of entire
• length of stairs.
• Use steady step stool with grip bar and keep often used items at waist level.
• Install grab bars in tub and in bathroom next to toilet.
• Ensure nonslip surfaces in bathroom floor and tub.