Immediate assessment and determining if you should lift
Before attempting to help a frail senior off the floor, the first and most critical step is a calm and thorough assessment of the situation. Rushing can cause additional injuries to an already vulnerable person.
Check for injuries and consciousness
- Stay calm and reassure the person: Address the person directly and calmly to help them remain calm as well. Let them know you are there to help.
- Check for signs of injury: Ask them if they are in any pain, and check for visible injuries like bruises, swelling, or cuts. Pay special attention to their head, neck, and back. If they report pain in these areas, do not attempt to move them. Keep them as still and comfortable as possible.
- Check for consciousness: If the person is unresponsive, bleeding, or disoriented, call emergency services immediately by dialing 911.
Know when to call for professional help
- Severe pain or inability to move: If the person is in significant pain, especially in their legs, hips, or back, it is best to leave them in place and wait for paramedics. A broken bone could be made worse by moving them.
- Loss of consciousness: Any sign of a head injury, such as a loss of consciousness (even briefly), warrants an emergency call.
- Dizziness or confusion: If they seem dizzy or confused, let them rest on the floor for several minutes before attempting any movement. If the feeling persists, professional medical evaluation is required.
The two-chair method for safe lifting
If you have assessed the situation and determined it is safe to proceed, the two-chair method is a widely recommended technique for assisting a person who can still provide some help. This method minimizes strain on both the caregiver and the senior.
- Bring two sturdy, non-rolling chairs: Place one chair near the person's head for them to brace their hands on, and another behind where they will eventually sit.
- Help them roll onto their side: Gently guide the person to roll onto their side, a position they will find easier to move from.
- Assist to a kneeling position: With you supporting their hips, help them get up onto their hands and knees.
- Use the front chair for leverage: Have them place their hands firmly on the seat of the chair in front of them. This gives them a stable point to push against.
- Bring one leg forward: Gently assist them in bringing their strongest leg forward, placing their foot flat on the floor in a kneeling lunge position.
- Slowly stand up: From this lunge position, and with your continued support at their back, they should use their legs and arms to push up slowly to a standing position.
- Pivot to the back chair: Once standing and stable, guide them to pivot slowly, with their back toward the second chair.
- Sit down safely: Help them lower themselves gently into the seat of the second chair by bending at their knees.
Using assistive devices for support
For those who are a regular caregiver, investing in assistive devices can make transfers safer and easier for everyone involved. Devices like a gait belt or a mechanical lift can significantly reduce the risk of injury.
Gait belts
A gait belt is a thick, fabric belt that goes around the senior’s waist, providing a secure handle for you to assist with standing and walking. It is crucial to use it correctly:
- Position the belt low on their waist, around the pelvis area.
- Ensure it is snug but not too tight—you should be able to slide two fingers underneath.
- When assisting, use a rocking motion rather than a direct lift to stand.
Lifting aids
For individuals with very limited mobility or who are heavier, manual lifting is not recommended. Specialized equipment is designed for safe and controlled lifts:
- Inflatable lifting cushions: Devices like the Mangar Elk gently inflate to lift a person from the floor while they remain seated, eliminating strain.
- Human floor lifts: Portable chair-style lifts can be moved into place to help someone transition from the floor to a standing or seated position using a mechanical remote.
Comparison of lifting methods
| Feature | Two-Chair Method (Manual Assist) | Gait Belt Assist | Mechanical Lift (e.g., Inflatable Cushion) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equipment | 2 sturdy, non-rolling chairs | Gait/Transfer belt | Specialized lifting device |
| Required Strength | Moderate to high for caregiver | Lower for caregiver; relies on senior's ability to help | Minimal to none for caregiver |
| Safety for Senior | Safe if senior can participate; risk if they cannot | Higher than manual lift; provides firm grip | Highest; eliminates manual strain and sudden movements |
| Best for... | A fall with no injury where the senior can assist | Assisting a senior who needs extra stability or is a slight fall risk | Serious injury cases, seniors with very limited mobility, or heavier individuals |
| Mobility Level | Higher mobility, cooperative | Medium mobility, needs support for standing | Very limited to no mobility |
Conclusion
Responding to a fall requires a calm, methodical approach that prioritizes safety over speed. Always begin by assessing for injury and be prepared to call for professional medical help if there is any sign of a serious problem. For safe manual assistance, the two-chair method is an effective technique that minimizes physical strain on both the caregiver and the senior. For those who fall frequently or have limited mobility, investing in assistive devices like gait belts or mechanical lifts is the safest option. By using proper technique and knowing your limitations, you can ensure a safer outcome for everyone involved.
Visit the Mayo Clinic for more information on fall prevention
