Over one in four adults aged 65 and older experience a fall each year, with many needing help to get up safely. Knowing how to help an elderly person get up from the floor is crucial for preventing further injury and maintaining their confidence after a distressing event.
Immediate Actions: Assess the Situation First
Before you do anything else, it is paramount to remain calm and assess the situation. Your first priority is to ensure the person is not seriously injured and that it is safe to move them.
Check for injuries and consciousness
- Stay calm and reassure them: Panic can distress the person further. Use a calm, reassuring voice to encourage them to breathe slowly and stay still.
- Ask if they are hurt: Ask them if they are in any pain, and if so, where. Look for visible injuries like bleeding, swelling, or bruising.
- Do not move them if: You suspect a head, neck, or back injury; they are in significant pain; they are unconscious or confused; they cannot move their limbs. In any of these cases, call 911 immediately. Try to keep them warm with a blanket or jacket and as still as possible until help arrives.
- Clear the area: If they are safe to move, quickly clear any nearby furniture, rugs, or other obstacles that could cause another fall during the process.
The Safe Step-by-Step Method Using a Chair
If you have determined that the person is not seriously injured and is able to follow instructions, use this step-by-step process. Never try to lift the person by yourself, as this can cause injury to both of you.
- Bring a sturdy, non-wheeled chair: Place a strong, stable chair near the person's head. The chair will be their main support for getting up.
- Help them roll onto their side: Gently guide the person to roll onto their side, if they are not already. Encourage them to move slowly to avoid dizziness.
- Assist them to their hands and knees: With support, have them get onto their hands and knees in a crawling position. You can place a pillow or towel under their knees for comfort.
- Position their hands on the chair: Guide them to crawl toward the chair and place their hands firmly on the seat of the chair.
- Lift one leg forward: Instruct them to place their strongest foot flat on the floor, so they are in a kneeling lunge position.
- Move the second chair: Once stable, move the second chair (or the first, if you only have one) directly behind them.
- Guide them to sit: As they push up with their arms and the leg on the floor, support them from behind. They should be lifting themselves up to sit on the chair. Do not pull on their arms.
- Rest and recover: Let them sit for a few minutes to regain their balance and composure before attempting to stand and walk again. Monitor them for any signs of discomfort or dizziness.
What to Do When They Cannot Get Up (Even Without Injury)
Sometimes, a person may be uninjured but simply lacks the strength to follow the steps above. In this case, you may need a different approach.
Using a lifting device
For repeated fall risks or for individuals who lack the strength to assist, investing in a lifting device can be a safer long-term solution. These devices are designed to lift a person without strain on the caregiver.
| Feature | Manual Lifting | Assistive Lifting Device |
|---|---|---|
| Safety | High risk of injury to both parties if done incorrectly. | Low risk of injury, especially when professionally trained. |
| Physical Strain | High strain on caregiver's back and arms. | Minimal to no physical strain on the caregiver. |
| Independence | Can be embarrassing or frightening for the fallen person. | Restores dignity and independence for the fallen person. |
| Time | Can be slow and difficult depending on the person's strength. | Efficient and quick, following proper device instructions. |
| Cost | Free, but can result in expensive medical bills from injury. | Initial cost for the device, but pays off in safety and peace of mind. |
Requesting professional "lift assist" help
Many emergency services offer a non-emergency “lift assist” service for situations where a person has fallen but is not injured. You can call your local fire department's non-emergency line for this. Do not hesitate to call if you are unsure or feel it is beyond your physical capabilities.
Post-Fall Assessment and Prevention
After the person is safely back in a chair, it's important to assess the situation and take steps to prevent future incidents.
The 24-hour observation
Even if there were no obvious injuries, it's wise to monitor the individual for the next 24 hours. Look for delayed pain, dizziness, or confusion. Sometimes, a fall's full impact isn't felt right away. Be on the lookout for hidden injuries that may become apparent later.
Identify and address the cause of the fall
Understanding why the person fell is key to prevention. Discuss the following with them and their doctor:
- Environmental hazards: Were there loose rugs, poor lighting, or clutter? Perform a home safety assessment to identify and correct potential hazards.
- Physical factors: Were they feeling dizzy, weak, or unbalanced? Regular exercise focused on strength and balance, like tai chi, can help.
- Medication side effects: Some medications can cause dizziness or drowsiness. Talk to their doctor about potential side effects or medication adjustments. For more detailed information on preventing falls, consider exploring resources from the National Institute on Aging.
Conclusion: Your Role in Safety and Dignity
Knowing how to help an elderly person get up from the floor is a vital skill for caregivers and family members. By staying calm, assessing for injuries, and using a safe, structured method with a sturdy chair, you can assist effectively while protecting both yourself and your loved one. Remember that preventing future falls through home safety modifications and addressing underlying health issues is the most important long-term strategy for promoting health, independence, and peace of mind. Always prioritize safety and do not hesitate to call for professional assistance when in doubt.
