Palmeira is gearing up for Patient Safety Awareness Week, March 10-16, 2019. Led by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, this week is a time to recognize our commitment to patient safety and to promote awareness among our team members, patients, and the community.
Everyone in the health care process plays a role in delivering safe care, and by uniting together and sharing that common goal, we can make a difference in patient safety. From patients to care providers, from the front lines to the executive suite, from the patient and family advocate to the corporate solutions provider — we are all united in the goal of keeping patients and those who care for them free from harm.
To observe the week, Palmeira has planned activities to educate team members and engage patients as well as educational outreach to the broader community.
“I am proud of the work that our team does every day to make Palmeira a leading home health care provider in our community,” says Palmeira CEO Gen Barter. “Patient Safety Awareness Week is a time to recognize the work that has been done, reflect, educate and engage. Everyone– from providers to patients and family members – plays a role in ensuring safe care, and by uniting together and sharing that common goal, we can make a difference in patient safety.”
According to The National Center for Injury Prevention, here are some actions you can take to prevent falls for yourself and your loved ones:
- Exercise regularly. Exercise makes you stronger and improves your balance and coordination.
- Have your doctor or pharmacist look at all the medicines you take, even over-the-counter medicines. Some medicines can make you sleepy or dizzy.
- Check your vision at least once a year by an eye doctor. Poor vision can increase your risk of falling.
- Get up slowly after you sit or lie down.
- Wear sturdy shoes with thin, non-slip soles. Avoid slippers and running shoes with thick soles.
- Improve the lighting in your home. Use brighter light bulbs (at least 60 watts). Use lamp shades or frosted bulbs to reduce glare.
- Use reflecting tape at the top and bottom of the stairs so you can see them better.
- Paint doorsills a different color to prevent tripping.
Other Safety Tips include:
- Keep emergency numbers in large print near each phone.
- Put a phone near the floor in case you fall and can’t get up.
- Consider wearing an alarm device that will bring help in case you fall and can’t get up.
For a list of Common Conditions and Diagnosis for Balance and Fall Prevention visit:
