A nurse is teaching a class at a local senior center regarding safety in the home. A client states, "I am afraid of falling because I live alone and have no one to help me." Which of the following statements should the nurse make?
Explanation & Rationale
Rationale: A. "You can obtain a personal response system that will be activated if you fall.": A personal emergency response system allows the client to summon help immediately after a fall, promoting independence and safety for individuals living alone. B. "You should contact a family member once a week to keep in touch.": Weekly contact provides emotional support but does not ensure timely assistance in the event of a fall. Regular communication is helpful, yet it does not directly reduce fall risk or guarantee safety if an emergency occurs. C. "You can have an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) come to your house daily to stay with you.": Having a UAP visit daily may not be realistic or necessary, especially for independent seniors. This does not provide continuous supervision or an immediate response in case of a fall occurring outside scheduled visits. D. "You need to move to a skilled nursing facility where they can prevent falls.": Suggesting relocation is premature and disregards the client’s desire for independence. Fall prevention strategies and assistive technology should be explored before recommending institutional care.