When an elderly person falls, a careful assessment is necessary to ensure safety for both the individual and the helper. This situation requires a measured approach focused on non-medical assistance and minimizing the risk of additional injury. This guide offers steps for safely assisting a person from the floor, assuming a medical emergency has been ruled out.
Immediate Safety Assessment and When Not to Move the Person
The first step after a fall is to remain calm and check the person’s responsiveness and overall condition before attempting any movement. Ask simple questions to determine their consciousness and whether they can communicate clearly. Ask specifically about pain in their head, neck, or hips.
A thorough but gentle visual inspection should be performed to check for visible injuries, such as heavy bleeding, bone deformity, or bruising around the head or eyes. If the person is unconscious, has severe pain, exhibits signs of a suspected spinal injury like numbness, or shows a limb with unnatural rotation, you must not attempt to move them. These signs are “Do Not Lift” criteria that necessitate an immediate call to emergency services.
If you detect any of these serious indicators, cover the person with a blanket to keep them warm and wait for professional medical help to arrive. Never pull on an arm or leg, as this could convert a simple fracture into a more complex injury. If the person is conscious and reports only minor pain, encourage them to stay in their current position for several minutes to allow any dizziness or lightheadedness to pass before proceeding.
Necessary Equipment and Helper Body Mechanics
Before initiating physical assistance, gather necessary equipment. Position a sturdy, non-rolling chair or stable furniture nearby to act as a leverage point during the lift. A cushion or pillow can also provide comfort or a slight height boost if the person needs to sit on a low surface once upright.
The helper must prioritize their own safety by using proper body mechanics to prevent common caregiver injuries. To lift safely, bend at your hips and knees while maintaining a straight back, using power from your leg muscles rather than bending from the waist. Keep the person being lifted close to your body to reduce strain and maintain your center of gravity.
For stability, plant your feet shoulder-width apart, with one foot slightly in front of the other for better balance. If the person is uncooperative, too heavy, or if you feel you cannot safely complete the transfer alone, seek help from another person.
Step-by-Step Safe Lifting Techniques
If the person is conscious, has no serious injuries, and can follow directions, the goal is to guide them to a seated position using their own strength as much as possible. Begin by helping the person roll onto their side. Encourage them to bend their knees and use their arms to assist in the gentle rolling motion.
Next, help them shift onto their hands and knees, often called the crawling position. This transition should be slow, allowing them to use their elbows and hands to prop themselves up. Once stable on all fours, move the sturdy chair or piece of furniture directly in front of them.
Instruct the person to place both hands onto the seat of the chair for support. Guide them to bring one knee forward into a kneeling position, similar to a proposal stance. It is generally best to use the person’s stronger leg for this first step up.
With one knee up, they should continue to use the chair for leverage, and you should provide support from behind, often by holding their hips or belt line. The person then pushes off with their hands and the flat foot to get the second knee up, moving into a standing position. Continue to support them gently until they are stable.
The final step is pivoting the person to sit down onto the chair or a nearby sofa. Guide their hips and let them use the chair arms or your support to slowly lower themselves. Maintain continuous communication throughout this sequence, telling them exactly what is happening next and asking how they feel to ensure a coordinated effort.
Post-Fall Monitoring and Addressing Fall Risk Factors
After the person is safely seated, monitor them closely for several hours for delayed symptoms like dizziness, confusion, nausea, or new pain. Even if they feel fine, contact their doctor for a medical review, as some internal injuries or hairline fractures may not be immediately apparent.
A fall signals that underlying risk factors need to be addressed to prevent recurrence. A medication review by a healthcare provider is important, as certain drugs can cause side effects like dizziness or orthostatic hypotension that increase fall risk.
Environmental factors are a common cause, and simple changes can improve home safety:
- Ensuring all living spaces are well-lit, particularly at night.
- Installing grab bars in bathrooms and near staircases.
- Removing tripping hazards such as loose rugs, clutter, and exposed cords.
Addressing issues like reduced muscle strength or balance impairment through appropriate exercise programs is also a helpful long-term strategy for fall prevention.