What is the proper way to assist a resident who is experiencing a fall?

Assisting a resident during a fall requires a careful and gentle approach to minimize injury. Guiding a resident down gently is the correct response because it ensures that their body is supported as they descend, which can reduce the likelihood of serious injury from a sudden impact with the ground. The goal is to control the fall, providing a supportive presence that can help cushion and lower the resident safely rather than letting them hit the floor abruptly.

This method emphasizes the importance of remaining calm and alert, ensuring that the resident feels secure throughout the process. It’s crucial to provide reassurance and support to the individual, reinforcing their safety and comfort. By guiding them down, you are actively engaging in fall prevention techniques that prioritize the resident's well-being, which is a key principle in nursing care and safety protocols.

The other options, such as pulling them back up quickly, allowing them to fall without intervention, or leaving them alone, do not align with safe practices and can increase the risk of injury or exacerbate the resident's condition.