Expert standard for fall prevention in nursing care

Everyone is at risk of falling, whether through carelessness or during a sporting activity. In addition to the everyday risk, there are falls caused by a loss of the ability to avoid falling. The affected patients, predominantly older people or people with a reduced general condition, are no longer able to keep their body in balance or, if they lose their balance, to bring it back into balance or to minimize the consequences of a fall through intact protective reactions. The psychological effects of falls range from painful bruises and wounds, sprains and fractures to death. One of the main possible psychological consequences is the loss of confidence in one's own mobility. The physical and/or psychological consequences of falls can ultimately lead to a restriction of the range of movement and, in the worst case, to social isolation.

The aim of the expert standard is to support care professionals as well as care and healthcare facilities in preventing falls and minimizing the consequences of falls based on scientific findings and expert opinions. (from the preamble of the expert standard)