The assessment and management of falls in residential care settings

Care of the older person has become more specialised in Ireland particularly since the introduction of national and international healthcare standards. In this regard, older people are receiving more evidence-based quality care when living in long-term healthcare facilities in Ireland. Assessment and management of falls is currently high on the quality agenda in terms of measuring quality outcomes. Clinical practice is being standardised using evidence-based practice and research. Residential care nurses caring for older people in Ireland are required to demonstrate clinical competence when assessing and managing falls in the residential care setting. Healthcare legislation, policy and in-service education, occurring in both the public and private sector, require a multidisciplinary-team approach. This article addresses the nursing priorities regarding falls assessment and management strategies that residential nurses should consider when caring for the older person at risk of falling.