If a resident starts to fall, what is the best response for the nursing assistant?

When a resident starts to fall, the best response for the nursing assistant is to widen her stance and bring the resident's body close. This technique helps to create a stable base of support, allowing the nursing assistant to better control the situation. By widening her stance, the assistant can lower her center of gravity, making it easier to maintain balance while preventing the resident from falling too quickly or awkwardly.

Bringing the resident's body close helps to slow the fall and reduces the risk of injury. The nursing assistant can use her body to cushion the impact, assisting the resident safely down to the ground. This approach minimizes the chances of serious injuries and provides reassurance to the resident during a potentially frightening situation.

Immediately shouting for help or attempting to catch the resident in mid-air may not provide the necessary support and can sometimes result in injury to both the resident and the assistant. Allowing the resident to fall without intervention poses a direct risk of serious harm, making the chosen response the most effective in ensuring safety.