Immediate Actions: Before You Lift
When an elderly person falls, your first reaction may be to rush to help them up. However, an immediate, unassisted lift can cause more harm than good, potentially worsening an unseen injury. Taking a few moments to assess the situation is the safest course of action.
Stay Calm and Communicate
Your calm demeanor can significantly reduce the person's anxiety. Speak in a reassuring voice and tell them you are there to help. Encourage them to take slow, deep breaths. This not only calms them but also helps you think clearly.
Assess for Injury
Before attempting to move them, you must check for potential injuries. Ask them if they are in any pain, and if so, where. Look for signs of injury, such as bleeding, bruising, or swelling. Pay special attention to the head, neck, and hips. If they report severe pain, are disoriented, or if you suspect a broken bone, do not move them. Call for emergency medical assistance immediately. While waiting, provide comfort by covering them with a blanket and reassuring them that help is on the way.
Create a Clear and Safe Space
If you determine there are no serious injuries, clear the area around them. Remove any tripping hazards, such as loose rugs, furniture, or other clutter that could cause another fall during the lift. Ensure you have plenty of room to maneuver and place a sturdy, non-rolling chair or a piece of heavy furniture nearby. This will be your support point.
The Step-by-Step Lifting Process
If you have assessed the situation and believe it is safe to proceed, use the following step-by-step method. This technique leverages the person's own strength while providing maximum support and stability.
- Help them roll onto their side. If the person is on their back, assist them in rolling onto their side. This can be done by bending the knee farthest from you and gently guiding their body. This position is the starting point for a safe ascent.
- Move into a kneeling position. Once on their side, help them push up onto their hands and knees. You can place a towel or cushion under their knees to make this position more comfortable. Provide steady support to their shoulder to maintain their balance.
- Position a sturdy chair. Move the chair or solid piece of furniture directly in front of them, ensuring it will not slide. Instruct the person to place their hands firmly on the seat of the chair.
- Rise into a lunge position. Guide them to bring their strongest leg forward, placing their foot flat on the floor in a kneeling lunge stance. Their hands should remain on the chair for stability.
- Use arms and legs to stand. With their hands on the chair and their feet positioned, they should use both their arms and legs to push themselves up. Position yourself directly behind them, ready to offer support but not to lift their entire body weight. Your role is to steady them as they rise, not to bear their weight. Use your legs to brace yourself and keep your back straight.
- Pivot to a seated position. Once standing, help them pivot slowly to a seated position in a second chair you have placed behind them or onto the nearest couch. Make sure they can feel the seat against the back of their legs before they sit down to prevent missing the chair.
Comparison: Manual vs. Assisted Lifting
| Feature | Manual Lifting (Incorrect Method) | Assisted Lifting (Correct Method) |
|---|---|---|
| Risk to Caregiver | High risk of back injury, strain, and falls. | Very low risk when using proper form and supports. |
| Risk to Senior | High risk of re-injury, fractures, or further trauma. | Minimizes risk of injury by leveraging their strength and stability. |
| Process | Hasty, involves pulling and jerking motions. | Calm, methodical, step-by-step process. |
| Equipment | Relies on brute strength alone. | Uses leverage, sturdy furniture, and gravity. |
| Outcome | Can lead to panic, fear of falling, and mistrust. | Fosters confidence, safety, and independence. |
| Independence | Reinforces helplessness by relying entirely on the caregiver. | Empowers the senior to participate in their own recovery. |
Post-Fall Care and Monitoring
After the person is safely back on their feet or seated, it is important to monitor them for any delayed symptoms. Ask how they are feeling and check for any new pain, dizziness, or disorientation. Even if they feel fine immediately after the fall, some injuries may not be apparent right away. It is a good practice to contact their doctor to report the fall and receive any recommended follow-up care.
Fall Prevention Strategies
Preventing future falls is the most important step. Consider the following home modifications and lifestyle changes:
- Home Safety Audit: Regularly check the home for fall hazards. Remove loose rugs, secure electrical cords, and ensure pathways are clear. Consider installing grab bars in bathrooms and stair handrails.
- Lighting: Ensure all areas of the home, especially hallways and staircases, are well-lit. Use motion-sensor lights in key areas.
- Mobility Aids: Encourage the use of assistive devices like walkers or canes if a healthcare professional has recommended them.
- Exercises: Simple balance and strengthening exercises, such as those recommended by the CDC, can improve stability and reduce fall risk. Visit the CDC for fall prevention resources.
- Footwear: Wear supportive, well-fitting shoes with non-slip soles both indoors and outdoors.
- Medication Review: Certain medications can cause dizziness or affect balance. A doctor or pharmacist should review all prescriptions to assess for side effects that could increase fall risk.
Conclusion
Knowing how to help an elderly person up from the ground is a crucial skill for ensuring their safety and well-being. By staying calm, assessing for injury, and using a systematic, assisted-lifting approach, you can minimize the risk of further harm. Beyond the immediate response, implementing fall prevention strategies in the home and lifestyle is the most effective long-term solution. Being prepared and proactive can make a world of difference in protecting the health and independence of the senior in your care.
