Immediate Steps: Assess the Situation First
Before you do anything else, it's vital to stay calm and follow a proper assessment protocol. Panicking can lead to rushed decisions that could cause more harm. Approaching the situation with a clear head ensures the safety of the elderly person and prevents potential back injuries for yourself.
How to Assess for Injury
Begin by observing the person from where you are, speaking to them calmly to check their awareness and to reassure them. Encourage them to move slowly and only if they feel no pain. Never attempt to lift a person who is unconscious or in significant pain. If there are signs of serious injury, such as bleeding, a possible broken bone, or head trauma, do not move them. Instead, call emergency medical services immediately.
Here's a list of key things to check:
- Consciousness: Is the person alert and responsive?
- Bleeding: Check for any cuts or wounds, especially on the head.
- Pain: Ask if they feel any pain. Severe pain, particularly in the hips, back, or neck, is a red flag.
- Movement: Ask them to move their fingers and toes. Inability to do so could indicate a serious injury.
- Head or neck trauma: If they hit their head, they should not be moved under any circumstances until a professional can assess them.
How to Pick Up an Elderly Person Who Has Fallen Safely
If you have determined that the person is not seriously injured and is able to assist you, you can proceed with a cautious lifting method. One of the safest and most common techniques is the chair method, as it minimizes strain and leverages the person's own strength.
The Chair Method
- Gather equipment: Bring two sturdy, stable chairs to the area where the person has fallen. Make sure they are not flimsy or on wheels. Place one chair near their head and one near their feet.
- Move to kneeling: Help the person roll onto their side. Guide them to push up into a kneeling position, using their arms and the chair near their head for support. You can assist by supporting their hips to maintain balance.
- Assume the lunge: Once kneeling, have them put their strongest leg forward into a lunge position, with their foot flat on the floor. This provides a strong base for standing.
- Reposition the second chair: Move the second chair directly behind them, ready for them to sit down. Ensure it is stable and won't slip.
- Stand and pivot: While standing slightly behind them to provide stability, encourage them to use their arms on the chair in front and their legs to push up slowly. As they stand, guide them to pivot and sit down on the second chair behind them. Keep them steady throughout this movement.
Assistance from Another Person
If a second person is available, the process becomes safer and less strenuous for both you and the fallen person.
- Communication is key: Both rescuers must communicate clearly and act in unison to avoid sudden movements. The elderly person should also be part of this communication.
- Positioning: Have one person support the upper body (chest and back), while the other supports the lower body (waist and legs). The person with the upper body support can provide a verbal countdown.
- Lifting: Bend at your knees, not your back, and lift together, using your leg muscles. Do not lift from the armpits, as this can cause injury. Instead, wrap your arms around the person's waist.
Fall Recovery Tools and Devices
For individuals with frequent falls or mobility issues, investing in specialized equipment can make recovery safer for everyone involved.
| Tool | Function | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer Belt | Worn around the person's waist, providing secure handles for a caregiver to hold and assist with movement. | Helping with transfers from a bed or chair; providing stability during supervised standing. |
| Lift Chair | An electric chair that gently lifts and tilts to help a person move from a seated to a standing position. | Individuals who can still manage some movement but need significant assistance standing up. |
| Floor Lift | Hydraulic or manual devices that can raise a person from the floor to a seated or standing position with minimal caregiver effort. | Individuals with very limited mobility or when the caregiver cannot lift the person safely. |
| Inflatable Lift Cushion | A lightweight, portable cushion that inflates to lift a person from the floor. | Caregivers needing a low-tech, easy-to-use device for safe floor-to-stand transfers. |
Preventing Future Falls
Prevention is the most effective long-term strategy for senior care. Minimizing fall risks in the home environment is crucial for ongoing safety. The CDC offers excellent resources for creating a safer home environment, such as this guide to CDC Fall Prevention.
Home Safety Checklist
- Remove all tripping hazards like loose rugs, electrical cords, and clutter from walkways.
- Ensure adequate lighting in all areas, especially hallways, stairwells, and bathrooms.
- Install grab bars in bathrooms, particularly in the shower and next to the toilet.
- Use non-slip mats in the shower and on other slippery floors.
- Add railings to both sides of all staircases.
- Place items used frequently within easy reach to avoid stretching or using step stools.
Post-Fall Care and Monitoring
After the person is safely seated or standing, the care doesn't stop there. The immediate post-fall period is crucial for observation.
- Rest and recover: Let the person sit and rest for a while. Offer a glass of water and make sure they are not feeling dizzy or disoriented.
- Monitor for symptoms: Over the next few hours and days, monitor for signs of delayed injury, such as new or worsening pain, swelling, headaches, or confusion.
- Contact a doctor: Inform their healthcare provider about the fall, even if no serious injuries were apparent. A fall can be a symptom of an underlying medical issue, and a doctor may want to run a check-up.
Conclusion: Prioritizing Safety Above All
Knowing how to pick up an elderly person who has fallen is about combining careful assessment, proper technique, and prioritizing safety. Never rush the process and always use assistive tools or call for help if you feel you cannot manage the lift safely. By taking these steps and focusing on preventative measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of future falls and ensure a safer, healthier aging experience for your loved one.
