The Falls Management Program: A Quality Improvement Initiative for Nursing Facilities

Text Description

Resident Name:________________________________  Unit/Room: _____________________

The Mobility and Transfer Assessment is a 3-step process used to screen for problems related to balance, gait and transfer. During the assessment, the resident should use a cane, walker or wheelchair if she or he normally does so. The nurse should observe the resident's safety during ambulation using the Get Up and Go Test and during transfer in and out of bed, on and off the toilet and in and out of the lounge chair when one is used by the resident. The nurse should assess the resident's wheelchair for proper fit and positioning.

Step One: Put a check by the level of assistance needed by the resident in order to be safe during ambulation, bed transfer, toilet transfer and chair transfer.

Step Two: Put a check by those environmental adjustments needed for safety during ambulation or transfer.

Step Three: Complete the Wheelchair Screen. Put a check by each needed safety improvement.
For instructions to the Get Up and Go Test and Wheelchair Screen, see the Falls Assessment Cue Sheet.

Signature: ______________________________________________ Date: ________________________