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Falls are extremely common in the elderly and this can be very scary for both caregivers and the elderly themselves. Therefore, it is crucial to know what to do and how to help them up when a fall occurs. Here is our step-by-step guide on the correct methods and techniques!
In this article, we will discuss 2 different methods:
When the elderly suffer a fall, the first thing they should do is stay calm. Afterwhich, they should call out for help. This can be done either verbally or using their mobile phones. We recommend getting a wearable medical alert device such as our Elderly Wireless SOS Alarm Pager to give caregivers a piece of mind as they know they will be alarmed immediately if falls occur.
The next few steps depend on whether there is someone to help them to get up.
1. Check for injuries
Ask them if they are in pain and talk to them to make sure that they can communicate with you. Check their body for injuries, especially their hands, neck, hips and knees. Falls are the leading cause of injury among older adults and hence it is extremely important to not overlook this step. If they are badly hurt, call an ambulance immediately.
2. Bend their knees and roll them over to the side
3. Request for the elderly to straighten and extend their top leg outwards
4. Place your hands on their shoulder and hip to help them prop themselves up onto their elbows and then to their hands.
5. Grab the elderly by their hips and bring them onto their knees and palms. If they are wearing a belt, grab the belt line for a better grip to easily pull them up. If not, you can also put a belt on them to make it easier for lifting.
6. Bring a sturdy chair (link to collection) in front of the elderly
7. Get the patient to place one arm on the chair and bring their stronger leg up to get into a kneeling position. Get them to place their other arm on this stronger knee. Hold them by their pelvis or belt line and lift them up to sit on the chair.
Watch the full video on how to help someone up from a fall below:
Unfortunately, there are times where the elderly may have fallen while being alone at home. Therefore, it is extremely important to educate them on how to get up by themselves. This can also help to promote their independence.
1. Check for injuries
Sometimes because of the trauma, the individual may not realise that they have serious injuries such as broken bones. Therefore, it is extremely important to do a thorough check of their body. Start off with a visual check for blood or any dislocated joints. Afterwhich, check your range of motion for any pain, especially the neck, arms, fingers, shoulders, hips and knees.
Call someone for help or an ambulance if something is wrong.
2. Start by raising one knee. Tuck the opposite arm under your body as far as you can so your arm would not get in the way when rolling. Use the bent knee to push yourself off the floor and roll onto your stomach.
3. Use your arms to push yourself off the floor and bring your stronger knee up. Push yourself over that stronger knee to get onto your knees and palms.
4. Bring your stronger leg up into a kneeling position. Push against a chair or sofa to stand. Do some weight bearing to check for any pain in the hips.
If there is pain, move into a seated position on the chair or sofa.
OR
Use a cushion if you require some height to get onto the sofa. Put your stronger knee on the cushion. Use the same elbow to support your weight by leaning against the sofa or chair and push yourself up with your opposite leg into a seated position.
This way of getting up may look complicated, but does not require much effort.
Watch the full video on how to get up from a fall by yourself below:
However, a key thing to note is that prevention is better than cure. In Singapore, falls are the leading cause of injury among older adults. Take the necessary measures to fall-proof your homes today!
Read our Ultimate Guide To Fall Prevention At Home or download our free E-book on Creating An Elder-Friendly Home.
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