Preventing falls through partnership and purpose

Outpatient Rehabilitation team members Katie Hedrick, PT, and Heather Robertson are working together to help patients stay safe at home through a growing fall prevention effort that has quickly become an important resource for the community.

The work began after IU Health Arnett Hospital received an injury prevention grant to reduce fall risks among older adults. Trauma Outreach Coordinator Teresa Williams, RN, shared the funds across several facilities to create fall prevention closets that make recommended equipment available at no cost to qualifying patients. When outpatient participation was explored, Hedrick immediately stepped forward to help bring the program to life.

Hedrick organizes the outpatient fall prevention closet and partners with Robertson, who manages ordering and equipment flow. Together, they developed a process to identify patients who may be at risk for falls and ensure they receive items recommended by a healthcare provider.

Many patients come to physical therapy after surgeries, major health events or injuries that limit mobility. During evaluation, therapists often identify needs for assistive devices such as walkers, dressing sticks, bedrails or bathroom equipment to improve independence and reduce fall risk. Hedrick says, “Patients are coming to physical therapy due to functional mobility impairments after surgeries, major health events or physical injuries.”

Therapists determine what equipment is appropriate based on gait, strength, balance, range of motion and surgical restrictions. Sometimes patients face financial, physical or social barriers that prevent them from obtaining the recommended items. Hedrick says, “Without adaptive items at home, patients are unable to carry over the education they learned in clinic, and it also can place them at a higher risk for falls.”

The grant and guidance from Williams helped the team establish the outpatient fall prevention closet. Hedrick and Robertson now monitor equipment needs and keep the most commonly used items stocked for same-day use when possible.

Hedrick says the program has had a meaningful effect on daily life for many patients. “This program has helped patients gain confidence, independence and improve their outcomes,” she says. She adds that removing equipment-related barriers allows patients to work toward goals that matter most to them, such as dressing independently, attending family events or navigating their community more safely.

Looking ahead, Hedrick says the team hopes to sustain the effort. “We are hopeful we can continue to renew the grant for future years to come to help patients in our community.”

Learn more about Injury Prevention services at IU Health.