The home health nurse has made a visit to an 85-year-old female client’s home who...

Rugs and clutter are a primary cause of falls in the home and should be eliminated if possible to decrease the risk of a fall. The elderly and those with gait issues are at an increased risk for a fall at home. The client should have a raised toilet seat and grab bars available in the bathroom to aid in movement in this potential slippery area of the home. Some clients find it difficult to rise up and down from the toilet and to get in and out of the shower. These items are all important in maintaining safety in the home. The client should not limit her movement within the home unless ordered by the physician. This decreases the ability of the client to perform activities of daily living and hinders the client’s return to a normal lifestyle after surgery. The client should notwear baggy clothing such as long robes, and the client should not wear socks on slippery floors. These items can cause the client to trip, slip, or fall.Health Promotion and Maintenance