Notes

Elderly Falls - What to Do
An elderly person might not seem badly hurt after a fall and may not need an ambulance or to go to hospital. But it’s important for them to see a doctor as soon as possible for further checks to make sure they don’t have any hidden injuries.

Typically, if your loved one falls, you should help them up slowly. Begin by pushing them into a side sitting position and crawling towards a chair or other sturdy object.
Check for Injuries


Almost half of all falls result in at least a minor injury, such as a bruise or sprained ankle. However, some falls can cause more serious injuries, including broken bones and loss of consciousness.

If a family member falls, it is important to check whether they are injured before trying to get them up. Injuries to elderly people can be very serious, so it is best not to move them until they are fully checked by medical professionals.

Start by gently rolling them onto their back. Then slowly and carefully work your way up their body, checking for bleeding or pain as you go. If the person is very uncomfortable or seems to be in a lot of pain, call for help right away. It is also important to keep an eye on their pulse and breath, as they may have a heart attack or a stroke.
Stay Calm

Falling can be frightening, but it’s important for seniors to keep calm. If they’re panicked, it’ll be harder for them to figure out what caused the fall and how to avoid it in the future.

Try to get your loved one to sit or lie down as soon as possible. Ask if they’re hurt and where they’re feeling pain. Don’t move them if you’re unsure they can handle the movement, since moving someone who is already injured can accidentally exacerbate their injuries.

fall alert seniors If they’re unable to stand up, roll them onto their side and help them rest for a minute or two before trying again. This will give them time to catch their breath, assess their injuries and decide if they can get up on their own or need assistance. If you can, try to make sure they always have a telephone or emergency medical alert device within easy reach so they can call for help when necessary.
Call for Help

Elders who fall often believe it’s embarrassing and a sign of their decline, leading them to downplay the incident and hide any injuries. This is a dangerous move that could cause them to be less active and make them more likely to fall again.

Instead, reassure them that falling isn’t a big deal and that it can actually be beneficial. Encourage them to get up and exercise to improve their strength, and consider installing grab bars or other safety features in the home to prevent future falls.

During the time that you are waiting for help to arrive, make sure your loved one is comfortable by placing pillows or rolled-up quilts or bolsters next to them to avoid pressure injuries. Also, try not to move them too much as this could exacerbate any injuries they may have. Ideally, you should call for an ambulance but with the NHS being so under pressure at the moment this can take some time.
Get Help

Even if your elderly loved one isn’t seriously hurt in their fall, lying on the floor for too long or getting up incorrectly can lead to complications like dehydration, hypothermia, pneumonia, or pressure sores. Caregivers are often too eager to help their senior family members get up after a fall that they forget to check for injuries or address underlying issues that can make them more likely to fall again (such as medications that make balance worse).

After an elderly person falls, it’s important to assess the situation and determine whether or not they need medical attention. A GP or walk in clinic visit can be very helpful as they will have the expertise and tools to check for any serious injuries. They can also provide advice on how to avoid further falls. This could include recommending the addition of grab bars or handrails to the home, improving lighting in walking areas, and reducing clutter.

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