Joint commission's campaign aims to prevent falls

7/29/2010 7:03:00 AM
By: The Associated Press

     OAKBROOK TERRACE, Ill. (AP) -- A hospital regulatory group is starting a new campaign to help prevent falls in health care settings and in homes. Millions of Americans are injured in falls each year, from nursing home residents to hospitalized patients and older people in their own homes.

The Joint Commission's new campaign includes brochures on prevention tips. These are things like exercise to improve balance; turning on lights when entering dark rooms; and getting help before trying to get out of a hospital bed.

The commission's president, Dr. Mark Chassin, points out that falls can cause life-threatening injuries and can even be fatal. And he says following these simple precautions can really help.

The commission accredits most of the nation's hospitals and is based on Oakbrook Terrace.

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