Reduce your falls risk – Be SAFER

During a hospital stay your risk of falls can increase. This may be because you:

  • feel dizzy, weaker or less steady than usual when walking or getting up from a chair or bed
  • are moving around in an unfamiliar setting
  • are taking new medications.

Our staff will find out what puts you at risk of falls to prevent you having a fall in hospital.

During your hospital stay

  • Know if you need help to walk around.
  • Do not try to get up by yourself – always ask for help from your hospital staff.
  • Wait for help.

Use the SAFER tool to reduce your falls risk

The SAFER tool identifies five reminders to reduce your risk of a fall while in hospital.

Reminder  Actions to reduce your falls risk
Show
We will show you how to reduce your risk of falling, including showing you where key items are in your room.

  • Be shown how to use your call bell when you need assistance.
  • Be shown where the toilet is.
  • Be shown where the light switches are and how to turn on the lights.
  • Be shown how to adjust the bed.
Aids
Continue to use daily living aids such as your glasses or walking aids. 
  • Wear closed in, flat shoes with good grip, or non-slip socks
  • Wear your glasses and hearing aids.
  • Use your walking aids.
  • For male patients, have urine bottle within reach.
Facilitate activities
We will show you how being active can help maintain your strength and independence safely.
  • If told it is safe to do so, move and do what you can for yourself to keep up your strength.
  • Get your balance before moving from your bed or chair.
  • If told it is safe to do so, sit out of bed, especially when eating meals.
  • Keep your phone close. Stay mentally active. Join in daily activities.
Education
We will advise you how to stay steady and safe on your feet.
  • Ask staff for help when getting up, especially if you feel dizzy, lightheaded or unsteady.
  • Take time and get up slowly from a lying or sitting position.
  • Ask what your falls risk factors are.
  • Drink plenty of fluids (unless staff advise you are on restricted fluids).
Remove
Keep your surroundings free of clutter and hazards – ask staff to assist if required.
  • Keep your bed area tidy and avoid having items in your way. Ask staff to help with this.
  • Avoid walking on wet slippery floors.
  • Ask for assistance if you are connected to tubes or attachments.
  • Wear comfortable, well- fitting clothing.

Advice for family and friends

To keep your family member or friend as safe as possible:

  • Always ask staff before assisting your family member or friend to get up.
  • Call staff if your family member or friend is more confused, is increasingly unsteady or has fallen in hospital.
  • Let staff know if your family member or friend is falling often.

Before you leave hospital

Talk with your nurse, physiotherapist or occupational therapist about how to reduce your risk of falling when you return home. Also ask your doctor or pharmacist if any medicines you are taking could increase your falls risk.

If you are a patient aged 65 years or over and fall often, ask staff to refer you to either the:

  • Balance and Mobility Clinic at Fremantle Hospital
  • Community Rehabilitation Service at Rockingham General Hospital.

We may refer you to other services to reduce your falls risk.

More information

Visit Stay on your Feet (external site) for more information.

Contact us

If you are a patient, or the family member or carer for a patient, please phone their treating hospital and ask to speak with a physiotherapist or occupational therapist:

  • Fiona Stanley Hospital Helpdesk – phone 6152 2222
  • Fremantle Hospital switchboard – phone 9431 3333
  • Peel Health Campus switchboard – phone 9531 8000
  • Rockingham General Hospital switchboard – phone 9599 4000
  • Murray District Hospital switchboard – phone 9531 7222.

Find out more

Read more about how we can work together to provide safe, quality patient care.

Last Updated: 01/11/2024