A fall can be a frightening event for an older adult and their caregiver. Reacting quickly is important, but reacting correctly is paramount to prevent further injury. The impulse may be to hoist the person up immediately, but this can cause serious harm to both the individual on the floor and the caregiver. This guide provides a detailed, safety-oriented approach.
Immediate Steps: Before You Lift
Before you even consider moving the person, a calm and careful assessment is crucial. Do not rush this process.
- Stay Calm and Reassure: Your calm demeanor can help reduce the person's fear and anxiety. Let them know you are there to help.
- Assess for Injury: Ask them if they are in pain and where it hurts. Check for obvious signs of injury like bleeding, swelling, or bone deformities. Ask if they hit their head. If they are unconscious, cannot speak, report severe pain, or you suspect a head, neck, or hip injury, do not move them. Call 911 or your local emergency services immediately.
- Check for Dizziness: Ask if they feel dizzy or lightheaded. A fall could be related to a sudden drop in blood pressure or another medical issue.
If the person is uninjured, feels well enough to try, and you feel confident you can assist safely, you can proceed.
The Safest Lifting Method: A Step-by-Step Guide
This method uses a sturdy chair and the person's own strength, minimizing the risk of strain and injury for the caregiver. It is intended for a person who is conscious, uninjured, and able to bear some weight.
- Bring a Sturdy Chair Close By: Choose a solid, stable chair without wheels. A dining room chair is often a good choice. Place it near the person's head.
- Help Them Roll to Their Side: Instruct them to bend the leg that is further from you and reach their arm across their body. Gently assist them in rolling onto their side.
- Guide to a Hands-and-Knees Position: From their side, help them push up with their arms while bringing their knees underneath them. They should now be on all fours, facing away from the chair.
- Position the Chair: Move the chair directly in front of them so they can place their hands on the seat for support.
- Bring One Foot Forward: Tell them to slide their stronger leg forward, placing their foot flat on the floor. Their other leg should remain in a kneeling position. At this point, they will be in a lunge-like position.
- Prepare for the Lift: Stand behind them, placing one of your feet forward. Place your hands on their hips or waist for stability. Do not pull on their arms or clothing.
- Guide Them to Stand or Sit: On a count of three, instruct them to push off with their hands from the chair seat and push up with their legs. As they do, guide their movement upwards. You are there to provide balance and support, not to lift their full body weight. Help them pivot and sit down in the chair to rest.
Techniques and Actions to AVOID
Knowing what not to do is as important as knowing what to do.
- DO NOT pull the person up by their arms, hands, or armpits. This can cause shoulder dislocations and other joint injuries.
- DO NOT lift with your back. This is a primary cause of caregiver injury. Bend your knees and keep your back straight.
- DO NOT rush the process. Allow the person to rest between steps if needed.
- DO NOT attempt a lift alone if you have any doubts about your strength or their ability to assist.
Using Assistive Devices
For seniors who fall more frequently, are significantly heavier, or have mobility challenges, investing in an assistive device is the safest long-term solution. These devices remove the physical strain from the caregiver entirely.
- Patient Lifts (Hoyer Lifts): These are the gold standard in healthcare settings. A sling is placed under the person, and a hydraulic or electric lift does all the work.
- Inflatable Lifting Cushions: These are placed under the person and are gradually inflated, raising the person to a seated position from which they can more easily stand.
Manual vs. Assistive Device: A Comparison
| Feature | Manual "Chair" Method | Mechanical Lift (e.g., Hoyer) |
|---|---|---|
| Injury Risk (Caregiver) | Moderate to High | Very Low |
| Injury Risk (Senior) | Low (if done correctly) | Very Low |
| Equipment Needed | Sturdy Chair | Specialized Lift & Sling |
| Speed & Convenience | Quick, no setup | Slower, requires setup |
| Best For | Uninjured, cooperative person | Injured, non-ambulatory, or heavier person |
Preventing Future Falls
After a fall, the focus should shift to prevention. It's a critical opportunity to assess and improve safety.
- Home Modifications: Remove tripping hazards like throw rugs, clear clutter from walkways, improve lighting, and install grab bars in bathrooms and hallways.
- Strength & Balance: Encourage participation in exercises designed to improve balance and leg strength. Tai Chi is highly recommended for seniors.
- Medication Review: Speak with their doctor to review medications. Some drugs or combinations can cause dizziness or drowsiness, increasing fall risk.
- Vision & Hearing Checks: Ensure their vision and hearing are checked regularly.
For more detailed information on fall prevention, the National Institute on Aging provides comprehensive resources and advice.
Conclusion
Knowing what is the best way to lift an elderly person off the floor prioritizes safety above all else. The core principle is to assess, not assume. If the person is uninjured and able, guiding them through a structured sequence using a chair is a proven, safe method. However, for any sign of injury or if you have any doubt, the best and only move is to call for professional medical help. Investing in assistive technology and focusing on fall prevention can protect both the senior and the caregiver in the long run.
