How to help someone get up off the floor safely and effectively

According to the CDC, over 36 million falls are reported among older adults each year, and knowing how to help someone get up off the floor can be critical. The first priority is to assess the situation for injuries, as attempting to move an injured person can cause further harm. This guide outlines safe and effective techniques for assisting a fallen person, with and without specialized equipment.

Quick Summary

This guide provides a step-by-step procedure for assisting someone who has fallen, covering initial injury assessment, positioning and stabilization techniques, using furniture for support, and recognizing when to seek emergency medical help. It also compares different assistive devices and offers preventative advice to reduce future fall risks.

Key Points

• Assess for injury first: Always check the person for severe pain, head trauma, or other serious injuries before attempting to move them; call 911 if an injury is suspected.

• Use the two-chair method: If the person is uninjured, use two sturdy, non-rolling chairs to help them move from the floor to a kneeling position, and then safely up to a seated position.

• Don't lift with your back: As a caregiver, prioritize your own safety by bending with your knees and using your legs for support, not your back.

• Communicate clearly: Guide the person through each step calmly and clearly, encouraging them to move slowly to avoid dizziness and regain balance.

• Consider lifting equipment: For individuals with limited mobility or heavier body weights, invest in specialized devices like inflatable cushions or floor lifts to ensure a safer recovery.

• Report the fall to a doctor: Regardless of the severity, a fall should be reported to a physician to investigate the cause and prevent future incidents.

• Practice prevention: Take steps to reduce future falls by removing household hazards like loose rugs and encouraging balance exercises.

First, assess the situation and prepare the area

Before attempting to help a person get up, it is crucial to ensure their immediate safety and assess for injuries.

1. Stay calm: Panic can hinder clear thinking. Reassure the person with a calm, gentle tone and let them know you are there to help.
2. Do not rush: Tell the person to remain still for a moment to recover from the initial shock and decide if they feel pain anywhere. Moving too quickly can cause dizziness or worsen an injury.
3. Check for injuries: Ask them if they feel any pain, especially in the head, neck, back, or limbs. Look for visible injuries like bleeding, swelling, or bruises. If you suspect a serious injury, such as a broken bone, spinal injury, or head trauma, do not move the person. Make them as comfortable as possible with a blanket and call 911 immediately.
4. Make the area safe: If there are no serious injuries, clear the space around them of any clutter, cords, or loose rugs to prevent another fall during the transfer.

The two-chair method for assisting someone up

If the person is uninjured but unable to get up on their own, this technique is a reliable method that leverages their own strength with the aid of two stable, non-rolling chairs.

1. Position the chairs: Place one sturdy chair next to the person's head and a second chair behind them, near their feet. Ensure both chairs are stable and will not slide.
2. Roll onto their side: Gently help the person roll onto their side. Guide them to push up onto their elbow and then into a seated position. Allow them to rest here and regain their bearings.
3. Move to a kneeling position: With your support, encourage them to get onto their hands and knees, with hands placed on the seat of the first chair. They can use a towel for cushioning if their knees are sensitive.
4. Rise to a lunge position: Instruct them to bring their stronger foot forward and place it flat on the floor, entering a lunge position with one knee still on the ground.
5. Lift and pivot: Standing behind the second chair, gently guide their back as they use their arms and legs to push up to a standing position. They can then pivot and sit down in the chair behind them. Do not lift or pull them; your role is to provide stability and guidance.
6. Rest: Once seated, encourage them to rest for several minutes to allow any remaining dizziness to pass before attempting to walk.

Comparison of assistive devices for floor transfers

For individuals with limited mobility, or for heavy individuals, manual lifting is not recommended due to the high risk of injury for both the person and the caregiver. Specialized devices provide a safer, more dignified solution.

Device	Description	Best for	Key Benefits
Inflatable Lifting Cushions (e.g., Mangar Camel)	Battery-operated cushions that inflate to lift a person gently from the floor to a seated height.	Smaller spaces and situations where immediate, gentle lifting is needed.	Highly portable, reduces manual strain, and maintains dignity.
Raizer Lifting Chair	A portable, battery-powered chair that is assembled around the fallen person and lifts them to a seating position.	Individuals who cannot participate in the lift and require a stable, chair-based transfer.	Requires only one caregiver to operate, providing a very safe lift.
IndeeLift Human Floor Lift	A powered lifting device with a platform and rails that scoops the person from the floor and lifts them to a sitting or standing height.	Frequent fallers, users who need to be fully lifted, and institutional settings.	High weight capacity, highly stable, and designed for user independence.
Gait Belts	A belt with handles worn by the person, allowing a caregiver to hold and assist with balance and transfers.	Transfers from a sitting position to standing, not for lifting a person from the floor.	Low cost and versatile for different transfers, but does not assist with floor-to-stand lifting.

Conclusion: Prioritizing safety and dignity

Knowing how to help someone get up off the floor is an essential skill for caregivers and family members. By first assessing the situation for injuries and staying calm, you can prevent worsening any potential trauma. For uninjured individuals, the two-chair method offers a safe and empowering technique that utilizes their own strength. For those with greater mobility challenges, specialized lifting equipment ensures both dignity and safety for all parties involved, eliminating the risk of manual lifting. Remember that your goal is to provide stability and guidance, not to act as the primary lifting force. Ultimately, understanding when to call for professional medical help is the most crucial step in any fall recovery scenario.

Falls are not a failure, but a sign that mobility needs may require reassessment and that preventative measures like strength exercises and home modifications should be considered.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I call for emergency help after someone falls?

Call 911 immediately if the person is unconscious, bleeding heavily, complains of severe pain, or you suspect a head, neck, or spinal injury. Signs like confusion, vomiting, or an inability to move a limb also warrant an emergency call.

What is the safest way to manually help an uninjured person up?

The safest manual method for an uninjured person is the two-chair technique. You assist by guiding them onto their hands and knees, moving toward a sturdy chair, and using the chair for leverage to rise to a seated position. Your role is to stabilize, not lift.

Can I use a piece of furniture like a couch to help someone up?

Yes, but only if it is heavy and sturdy enough to not tip over. Use the armrests or the side of the couch for support, ensuring it is a stable anchor point before the person applies their weight.

What equipment is available to assist a fallen person?

A range of equipment is available, including inflatable lifting cushions (like the Mangar Camel), portable lifting chairs (like the Raizer), and human floor lifts (such as IndeeLift). Gait belts can also be used to assist transfers once the person is in a seated position.

What are some lifting techniques that caregivers should avoid?

Caregivers should never try to manually lift a person by their arms, as this can cause shoulder dislocation. It is also unsafe to twist your back while lifting. Always bend with your knees and use your legs to minimize back strain.

What should I do if the person becomes dizzy or lightheaded while trying to stand?

If they feel dizzy, have them pause and rest in a seated or kneeling position until the feeling passes. Reassure them and do not rush the process. Moving slowly is key to preventing another fall.

Should I report a fall to a doctor even if no injury occurred?

Yes, all falls should be reported to a doctor. A doctor can evaluate for underlying medical causes or hidden injuries and recommend preventative measures like physical therapy or home modifications.