What must be done when a resident experiences a fall?

When a resident experiences a fall, it is essential to complete an incident report for all falls, regardless of whether there are visible injuries. This procedure is vital for several reasons. First, it documents the event systematically, providing details such as the time, location, and circumstances leading to the fall. This information can be crucial for identifying any patterns that might indicate a need for preventive measures or changes in care practices.

Moreover, completing an incident report helps ensure accountability and compliance with facility policies and state regulations regarding patient safety. It serves as a record that can be reviewed to refine protocols for fall prevention, enhance training for staff, and improve overall resident care.

In contrast, only completing a report when injuries are present could lead to oversight; not every fall results in noticeable injuries initially, and some complications may develop later. Moving the resident immediately without assessment may pose additional risks, and relying only on the resident to note the incident does not provide a thorough or standardized approach to reporting and managing falls.