Which intervention best reduces fall risk for an older adult after hip surgery?

• A. Restrict all movement.
• B. Keep bed high and rails down.
• C. Keep bed in low position, keep call light within reach, and use non-slip footwear and assist with transfers.
• D. Remove call light to prevent distraction.

Answer: (C)

After hip surgery, older adults are at higher fall risk because weakness, pain, and limited balance make unsafe moves more likely. The best approach combines environmental safety with caregiver support to enable safe mobility. Keeping the bed in a low position reduces the distance to the floor and makes it easier to sit up, stand, or recover balance with assistance. Having the call light within reach gives the patient a quick way to summon help rather than attempting risky self-transfers. Providing non-slip footwear helps prevent slipping on floors or in the bathroom, and offering help with transfers ensures hip protection and proper technique during movement. Together, these steps promote safety while supporting gradual, supervised activity.

Restricting all movement can cause deconditioning and doesn’t reliably prevent falls. A high bed with rails down increases the chance of a fall and injury. Removing the call light eliminates a critical means for the patient to request help when needed.