How to Prevent Falls at Home for a CVA Patient

CVA patients require a home assessment to find and remove risks.

A cerebrovascular accident, also known as a CVA or stroke, is a blood clot or ruptured artery that causes damage to some part of the brain by interrupting blood flow and oxygen. The area of the brain damaged dictates what kind of disability will result and whether the condition is temporary or permanent. Even if someone is still able to walk and maintain mobility after a stroke, home modifications may be necessary to prevent falls and injuries.

Things You'll Need

• Physical therapy and/or occupational therapy
• Pre-discharge home evaluation

Instructions

1. Request a physical therapy home evaluation before a patient is discharged. The evaluation will assess necessary modifications. Injuries from stroke can range from difficulty swallowing to problems with balance or even the loss of the ability to read. Necessary modifications will depend upon the patient's specific disabilities.

2. Remove all area rugs that do not have non-skid backing. Patients with balance or gait issues can slip on these rugs easily, especially when using ambulation aids such as walkers or canes.

3. Install bathroom grab bars to assist the patient in moving on and off the toilet. Apply a raised toilet seat to the commode to limit the distance between sitting and standing. The Internet Stroke Center also recommends that clean undergarments be kept in the bathroom for easier accident clean-ups if the patient chooses not to use disposable undergarment incontinence products.

4. Remove clutter, electrical extension cords and other potential hazards from walking areas. Install higher watt bulbs, additional light fixtures or extra lamps to ensure areas are adequately illuminated. If fatigue is an issue and halls are wide enough, place chairs where the patient can rest when necessary.

5. Purchase additional cordless telephones and place them in every room of the house the patient will be using. It is imperative that telephones be easily accessible so that patients can contact help in the event of a fall or emergency.

Tips & Warnings

• Take advantage of the hospital discharge planner's resources prior to the patient's return home. Durable medical equipment such as hospital beds, bedside commodes, shower chairs or temporary ramps can be ordered and delivered. Grab bars may be installed with adequate planning. Home health care may be ordered and coordinated to begin when the patient returns home.

• Be sure that any handrails or grab bars are professionally installed, stable and able to withstand sudden weight without failing.

References

• "AARP"; New Strategies for Preventing Falls; Katherine Grieder; February 8, 2011
• AARP Health: Preventing Falls in the Elderly
• The Internet Stroke Center: Adapting the Home After a Stroke

Resources

• The Internet Stroke Center: Stroke Information for Patients and Families