How do you treat an elderly person who has fallen? A Comprehensive Guide

According to the CDC, over one in four older adults falls each year, but fewer than half report it to their healthcare provider. Knowing how do you treat an elderly person who has fallen is crucial for providing immediate, safe, and effective care while minimizing the risk of a more serious injury.

Quick Summary

Proper treatment for an elderly person after a fall involves first ensuring they are calm and assessing for serious injuries before attempting any movement. If no severe harm is suspected, assist them up slowly using a safe, guided technique. Always arrange for a medical evaluation after a fall to address underlying causes and develop a fall prevention plan.

Key Points

• Stay Calm and Assess: The most critical first step is to remain calm and check for serious injuries like heavy bleeding, head trauma, or broken bones before attempting any movement.

• Call 911 for Emergencies: Do not move an elderly person who shows signs of a severe injury; call emergency services and keep them warm and still until help arrives.

• Use a Safe Lifting Technique: If no serious injury is apparent, guide the person to use sturdy furniture, like chairs, to assist themselves from the floor, rather than lifting their full weight.

• Get a Post-Fall Medical Evaluation: Schedule a doctor's appointment after any fall to check for underlying medical causes, delayed injuries, and review medications.

• Address the Psychological Impact: A fall can cause a deep-seated fear of falling. Encourage balance-building exercises and provide reassurance to rebuild confidence and prevent a cycle of inactivity.

• Implement Fall Prevention: Modify the home environment by removing hazards like clutter and loose rugs, improving lighting, and installing grab bars to reduce the risk of future falls.

Immediate Steps to Take After an Elderly Fall

When an elderly person falls, it's a frightening experience for everyone involved. Your immediate reaction can significantly impact the outcome, so it is vital to remain calm and follow a clear, methodical process. Never rush or panic, as a calm presence will help reassure the fallen individual and enable you to make sound judgments.

Step 1: Assess the Situation Before Moving

Before you do anything else, pause and assess the situation from a safe distance. Look around for any immediate hazards, such as spilled liquid, broken glass, or the object that caused the fall. Once the area is safe, speak to the person to check their responsiveness. Ask them if they are in pain and if they can move their limbs. It is crucial to determine if they are seriously injured before you attempt to move them, as an incorrect movement could exacerbate a hidden injury.

• Do not move them if:
  • They are unconscious or unresponsive.
  • They are bleeding heavily.
  • They have severe pain, especially in the head, neck, or back.
  • A limb looks visibly broken or twisted.
  • They complain of dizziness, confusion, or severe headache.

Step 2: Know When to Call for Emergency Help

If any of the warning signs for serious injury are present, do not hesitate to call 911 or your local emergency number immediately. While waiting for paramedics to arrive, keep the person warm with a blanket and keep them as still and comfortable as possible. Follow any instructions given by the emergency dispatcher. In many areas, you can also request a non-emergency "lift assist" from the fire department if no severe injuries are suspected but you cannot safely lift the person yourself.

Step 3: Safely Assist with Getting Up (If Not Seriously Injured)

If the elderly person is not seriously injured and feels confident they can try to get up, you can assist them. Remember, your role is to guide and support them, not to lift their full weight, which could injure both of you.

1. Preparation: Place two sturdy, stable chairs near the person. One should be positioned by their head and the other near their feet. You can also place a pillow or folded blanket under their knees for comfort.
2. Roll and Kneel: Help them roll onto their side, then assist them in getting onto their hands and knees.
3. Crawl to Support: Guide them to crawl over to the chair nearest their head and place their hands firmly on the seat.
4. Raise One Leg: Assist them in bringing their strongest leg forward so that the foot is flat on the floor, entering a kneeling lunge position.
5. Pivot to Sit: Move the second chair directly behind them. Encourage them to use both their arms and legs to push themselves up and pivot backwards into the second chair. Guide them gently, keeping your back upright and bending your knees.
6. Rest and Assess: Have them rest in the chair for several minutes before attempting to stand or walk. Offer a sip of water and check for any delayed pain or discomfort.

Long-Term Post-Fall Care and Rehabilitation

Even after a seemingly minor fall, the incident's effects can linger and increase the risk of future accidents. A proactive, long-term approach is essential for a full recovery.

Psychological Recovery

A fall can have a profound psychological impact, leading to a fear of falling again, anxiety, and a loss of confidence. This fear can cause an elderly person to withdraw from activities, which in turn leads to muscle weakness and reduced mobility, creating a dangerous cycle.

• Encourage Activity: Support them in resuming daily activities gradually. Gentle exercise, like walking or tai chi, can rebuild strength and confidence.
• Offer Reassurance: Remind them that a fall is not a sign of failure and that you are there to help.
• Seek Professional Help: A physical therapist or counselor can help address the emotional trauma and rebuild confidence.

Medical Follow-Up

Schedule a visit with their doctor after any fall, regardless of injury severity. The doctor can investigate underlying issues that may have contributed to the fall, such as side effects from medication, vision or hearing problems, or other health conditions.

Fall Prevention Strategies

Preventing future falls involves a combination of home safety modifications, lifestyle changes, and ongoing management.

Common Fall Hazards and Solutions

Hazard	Solution
Loose throw rugs and carpets	Remove rugs or secure them with double-sided carpet tape or non-slip backing.
Clutter in pathways	Keep all walking areas, hallways, and doorways clear of clutter, cords, and furniture.
Poor lighting	Install brighter light bulbs, add nightlights in bedrooms and bathrooms, and ensure switches are easily accessible.
Slippery bathroom surfaces	Install grab bars near toilets and in the shower/tub. Use non-slip mats on the floor and in the shower.
Unsafe stairs	Install sturdy handrails on both sides of all staircases and ensure steps are in good repair.
Improper footwear	Encourage wearing well-fitting shoes with non-slip soles both indoors and outdoors.

Assistive Devices

For caregivers, having the right equipment is important. Tools like gait belts can help provide a stable grip, and specialized floor lifts can assist with rising without manual lifting, which protects both the caregiver and the patient. You can explore a list of home modification resources and tools at National Council on Aging: Home Modifications.

Conclusion: A Path to Recovery and Prevention

Knowing how do you treat an elderly person who has fallen is a crucial skill for caregivers and family members. By calmly assessing the situation, knowing when to seek emergency help, and using safe techniques to assist with getting up, you can provide immediate and effective care. Beyond the initial response, addressing the psychological impact and proactively implementing fall prevention strategies are key to ensuring the senior's long-term health, confidence, and independence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the very first thing I should do when an elderly person falls?

The very first thing you should do is stay calm and assess the situation for any immediate dangers. Speak to the person to determine if they are conscious and can communicate any pain or injury before attempting to move them.

How can I tell if an elderly person has a serious injury after a fall?

Look for signs of serious injury such as heavy bleeding, severe pain (especially in the head, neck, or back), swelling, a visible fracture, or disorientation. If any of these are present, do not move the person and call 911 immediately.

What is the safest way to help an elderly person get up from the floor?

The safest method involves guiding them to use a sturdy chair or other furniture for support. You should help them roll to their side, get onto their hands and knees, and then use the chair to push themselves up gradually. Never lift them manually by yourself.

Why is it important to see a doctor after a fall, even if the person seems fine?

Even if there are no obvious injuries, a fall can cause subtle or delayed problems. A doctor can check for hidden injuries like a slow-bleeding head trauma and identify underlying medical causes, such as medication side effects, vision problems, or balance issues, to prevent future falls.

How can I help an elderly person overcome the fear of falling again?

Encourage gentle physical activities like walking, tai chi, or balance exercises to rebuild strength and confidence. Reassure them and create a safer home environment. In some cases, a physical therapist or counselor can provide professional guidance for managing anxiety.

What are some simple home modifications to prevent future falls?

Simple modifications include removing loose throw rugs, securing electrical cords, improving lighting (especially with nightlights), and installing grab bars in bathrooms and sturdy handrails on all staircases. Keeping walkways clear of clutter is also essential.

What are the signs of a possible head injury after a fall?

Signs of a head injury can include confusion, memory problems, dizziness, severe or persistent headache, vomiting, agitation, or a change in consciousness. These symptoms may not appear immediately, so it is important to monitor the person for at least 24 hours.