Tools & Resources

Increased Falls and How Therapy Can Help

The RAI User’s Manual states that “A previous fall, especially a recent fall, recurrent falls, and falls with significant injury are the most important predictors of risk for future falls and injurious falls” (CMS, 2019, p. J-27).

However, there are many more items that need to be considered when assessing a resident’s fall risk and analyzing the root cause of any previous falls as a predictor for future falls.

Appendix C: Indicators of Fall Risk

The Care Area Assessment located in Appendix C and provided as a courtesy, is the further investigation of triggered areas, to determine if the care area triggers require interventions and care planning. These resources include a compilation of checklists and Web links that may be helpful in performing the assessment of a triggered care area. The use of these resources is not mandatory but may serve as a document for assessing and tracking/trending a resident.

One of the care areas assessment is Indicators of Fall Risk (page C-46 of the guidance manual), which provides guidance on incontinence and many other clinical factors to consider.

Incontinence and an increased risk of dehydration are some common factors contributing to a resident being a fall risk. It is important not only to assess thoroughly for these factors but also to educate and ensure residents know the importance of adequate fluid intake. One item that can be monitored and education provided is when a resident reduces the amount of fluid they take in, they are self-managing their continence by restricting their fluid intake to avoid having an accident, when in fact, it may put them at greater risk of having a fall due to being dehydrated.

CMS Posts iQIES Job Aid

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced the transition from the current QIES ASAP database to the web-based iQIES in early 2023. All providers must have a security official approved by CMS that will be responsible for managing iQIES access for the facility and generating reports.

This job aid provides useful information, resources, and videos to support the facility in obtaining the HARP ID and assigning roles to other users.

On Nov. 14, 2022, CMS posted the "iQIES Manage User Information and Quick Checklist Job Aid v2.0" to the Reference & Manual section of the iQIES software resources webpage, under the iQIES Managing User Information Guide and Quick Checklist section.