How to get an old person up off the floor safely

According to the CDC, over one-quarter of adults aged 65 and older fall each year, with fewer than half reporting it.

Knowing how to get an old person up off the floor safely is crucial for caregivers and family members to prevent injury and manage a common, frightening situation with confidence and care.

Quick Summary

Assess the situation for injuries, use the 'log roll' technique to move them to a kneeling position, and assist them in standing using a sturdy chair or furniture. Prioritize safety and avoid sudden movements to prevent further harm to both parties.

Key Points

• Assess for Injury First: Before attempting to move a fallen senior, always check for visible injuries, pain, or limited mobility. If an injury is suspected, call for help.

• Use the 'Log Roll' Technique: The safest way to position a person for lifting is by gently rolling them onto their side and then assisting them to a kneeling position, supporting their head throughout.

• Utilize a Sturdy Chair: The safest assisted lifting technique involves using a stable, non-wheeled chair to help the person transition from kneeling to a seated position.

• Know When to Call 911: Do not hesitate to call for emergency services if a serious injury is suspected, or if the person is unconscious or too heavy to lift safely.

• Prioritize Fall Prevention: Proactive measures like home safety modifications, regular exercise, and medication review are the best strategies to prevent future falls.

• Avoid Direct Lifting: Never attempt to lift the full body weight of a person on your own, as this can cause injury to both the person and yourself.

Immediate Assessment: Before You Lift

The most important step is not to rush. While your instinct may be to immediately help the person stand, this could cause or worsen an injury. Assess the situation calmly and thoroughly first.

Look for Signs of Injury

• Visible injuries: Check for cuts, bruises, or swelling, especially on the head, neck, and hips.
• Complaints of pain: Ask the person where they feel pain. If they report severe pain, particularly in the back or neck, do not move them.
• Mobility: Ask if they can move their hands, feet, fingers, and toes. Any inability to move or numbness could indicate a serious issue.

If You Suspect an Injury, Do Not Move Them

If the person is in pain, unresponsive, or you suspect a head, neck, or back injury, do not attempt to move them. Call for emergency medical assistance immediately. Cover them with a blanket to keep them warm and offer reassurance while you wait for help to arrive. This initial assessment is critical and can prevent a minor fall from becoming a major medical emergency.

The Safest Way: The “Chair Method”

This method is the safest and most common way to help someone who has not been injured. It uses a sturdy, stable chair as a support.

1. Position the person: Gently roll the person onto their side. This is known as a log roll. Have them bend their top leg and use your leverage to slowly turn them. Ensure their head is supported throughout the movement.
2. Move to a kneeling position: Guide the person to push themselves up into a crawling or kneeling position. The person should use their arms to assist. Your role is to provide steady, stable support.
3. Position the chair: Place a sturdy, non-wheeled chair directly in front of the person. Make sure the chair is stable and will not slide or tip. The person should have their hands on the seat of the chair.
4. Rise to a kneeling lunge: Help the person move one leg forward into a lunge position. Their hands should remain on the chair for support.
5. Lift to a seated position: With a steadying hand on their waist or back, guide them to push up from their lunge. The goal is to help them turn and lower themselves into the chair, not to lift their full body weight.

What to Do If No Chair is Available

If you don’t have a chair readily available, you can use other stable objects, but caution is essential. Use a sturdy couch, bed, or stable piece of furniture. Follow the same steps of assessing for injury and performing a log roll. Instead of positioning a chair, have the person move toward the piece of furniture. Use the edge of the couch or bed for them to grip and assist their movement. The process should still be a steady push from them with your assistance, not a direct lift by you.

Preventing Future Falls

While knowing how to get an old person up off the floor is important, prevention is the best approach. Implementing these strategies can significantly reduce the risk of future falls.

• Home Safety Modifications: Ensure clear pathways, remove rugs, improve lighting, and install grab bars in the bathroom and near stairs.
• Regular Exercise: Encourage balance, strength, and flexibility exercises. Programs like Tai Chi are excellent for improving stability.
• Footwear: Suggest non-slip, supportive footwear. Avoid slippers or shoes with slick soles.
• Medication Review: Discuss medications with a doctor or pharmacist to identify any that cause dizziness or drowsiness.

When to Call for Professional Help

Recognizing when to call for professional assistance is a critical part of caregiving. If any of the following occur, do not attempt to lift the person yourself.

• Severe pain reported anywhere in the body.
• Visible deformity or inability to move a limb.
• Loss of consciousness, however brief.
• Head injury with confusion, drowsiness, or vomiting.
• The person is too heavy for you to safely assist without risking injury to yourself.

For more information on fall prevention strategies and other safety measures, visit the CDC's resources on older adult fall prevention. CDC Older Adult Fall Prevention

Comparison of Lifting Techniques

Feature	Assisted 'Chair Method'	Professional Medical Help	Two-Person Unassisted Lift (Risky)
Injury Status	Best for no suspected injuries	Required for suspected injuries (head, neck, spinal)	Best avoided entirely
Equipment Needed	Sturdy chair	Specialized equipment, trained staff	None (but can cause injury)
Safety	High safety, reduces strain	Highest safety, prevents further injury	Low safety, high risk of re-injury
Effort	Guided assistance, uses person's own strength	Managed by experts, no effort required from caregiver	High physical exertion, potential for strain
Speed	Relatively quick if the person is uninjured	Time until EMT arrival	Can be quick, but unsafe

Conclusion: A Calm and Measured Response

Managing a fall requires a calm, methodical approach, prioritizing safety above all else. Knowing how to get an old person up off the floor starts with a careful assessment for injuries. If the person is uninjured, the Chair Method offers a safe and dignified way to assist them. For any suspected injury or inability to safely lift, calling for professional help is the correct and safest course of action. This measured response protects both the senior and the caregiver, turning a frightening moment into a manageable and safe situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the very first thing I should do when I see an old person on the floor?

The very first thing is to remain calm and assess the situation. Check for visible injuries, ask if they are in pain, and ensure they are responsive. Do not rush to lift them.

How can I tell if a fallen person has a serious injury?

Look for signs like severe pain (especially in the head, neck, or hips), visible deformities, inability to move a limb, or any changes in consciousness. If these are present, call 911 immediately.

What if the person is too heavy for me to lift?

Do not attempt to lift someone who is too heavy for you. This risks injury to both of you. Call emergency services for assistance. Explain the situation and wait for trained professionals.

Is it safe to use a rolling office chair to help someone stand up?

No, it is not safe. A rolling office chair is unstable and could easily slip or tip over, causing another fall. Always use a sturdy, stable chair that does not have wheels.

How do you get an old person up off the floor if they are injured but conscious?

If they are conscious but you suspect an injury, keep them calm and comfortable. Do not move them. Place a blanket over them and call 911, explaining the potential injury to the dispatcher.

What are the key steps for helping an uninjured person use a chair to stand?

After assessing for injury, help them perform a 'log roll' onto their side, move into a kneeling position, place their hands on a sturdy chair, move one foot forward into a lunge, and then assist them in pushing themselves up to a seated position.

What kind of exercises can help an older person prevent falls?

Exercises that improve balance, strength, and flexibility are most effective. Examples include Tai Chi, light walking, leg raises, and chair exercises. Consult a doctor before starting a new routine.