When to call for professional help
Before you attempt to lift a person, it is vital to assess the situation and determine if professional medical help is needed. This critical first step can prevent a minor fall from becoming a severe, long-term injury. Never rush to move someone who may be seriously hurt.
- Visible injuries: Look for signs of bleeding, swelling, or visible fractures, especially to the head, neck, or spine.
- Severe pain: Ask the person about their pain. If they report severe pain, particularly in their head, neck, or back, do not move them.
- Unconsciousness or confusion: If the person is unconscious, confused, or has difficulty breathing, call 911 immediately.
- Inability to move: If they cannot bear weight on a limb or cannot move their extremities, leave them still and wait for paramedics.
If the person is conscious, can move, and reports no serious pain, you can proceed with the following steps.
The two-chair lifting method: A step-by-step guide
For a fallen person who is uninjured, this method uses household items to assist them in rising safely. It minimizes strain on both the caregiver and the fallen person.
- Assess and calm the person: Speak calmly and reassure the individual. Help them take slow, deep breaths to ease their anxiety.
- Move to their side: Gently help the person roll onto their side. Encourage them to use their arms to assist.
- Assist into a kneeling position: Place a towel or cushion under their knees for comfort. Help them push themselves up to their hands and knees.
- Position the chair: Place a sturdy, non-rolling chair directly in front of them. The chair provides a stable brace for them to use.
- Move toward the chair: Guide them to crawl forward toward the chair.
- Rise to a kneeling lunge: Help them place both hands firmly on the chair seat. Guide their strongest leg forward so their foot is flat on the floor, entering a kneeling lunge position.
- Pivot to sit: With the second sturdy chair positioned behind them, encourage them to push up with their arms and legs. Support their back as they pivot and slowly lower themselves back into the second chair.
- Rest and re-assess: Let them sit for a few minutes to regain their composure and check for any delayed pain or dizziness.
Lifting aids for safer transfers
Specialized equipment significantly reduces the physical strain of lifting and improves safety for both the caregiver and the fallen person.
Comparison of popular lifting aids
| Feature | Gait Belt | Inflatable Lift Cushion | Stand-Assist Lift | Hoyer Lift | Transfer Board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best for... | Assisting mobility for those who can bear some weight | Lifting individuals safely from the floor with caregiver or self-assistance | Helping someone transition from a sitting to a standing position | Non-weight bearing transfers (bed to wheelchair) | Sliding transfers between two close, stable surfaces |
| Mechanism | Belt is wrapped around the waist to provide a secure grip for a caregiver | Starts flat, then inflates to lift the person to a seated or standing height | Mechanical lift that assists a person from a seated position to standing | A sling-based system that uses hydraulic or electric power to lift and move a patient | A smooth board used to bridge the gap between two surfaces |
| Caregiver Effort | Low (Used for guidance, not lifting weight) | Low (Pushes a button on a pump to inflate) | Medium (The device does the heavy lifting, but requires proper setup) | Low (Machine does all the lifting) | Low (Patient slides, doesn't need to be lifted) |
| Portability | High (Small and lightweight) | High (Often packable and comes with a pump) | Medium (Can be moved but is bulkier) | Low (Heavy and often on wheels) | High (Lightweight and portable) |
Essential lifting techniques for caregivers
Even with or without assistive devices, proper body mechanics are crucial for preventing injury to yourself as a caregiver.
- Keep a straight back: Always bend at your knees and hips, not your waist. Your back should remain straight and aligned with your head and neck.
- Use your legs: Your leg muscles are the strongest. Engage them to lift and move, rather than straining your back and arms.
- Keep the weight close: The closer the person is to your body, the less strain it puts on your back. Avoid reaching or leaning.
- Communicate clearly: Tell the person what you are doing in advance and count to coordinate movements. This ensures you both move in sync.
- Pivot with your feet, don’t twist: To turn, move your whole body by pivoting on your feet. Never twist at the waist while supporting weight.
Additional tips and post-fall care
- Monitor for delayed symptoms: After a fall, continue to monitor the person for several hours. Some symptoms, like dizziness, confusion, or increasing pain, may not appear immediately.
- Consider fall prevention: After assisting the person, take time to investigate the cause of the fall. Was it a loose rug, poor lighting, or a lack of grab bars? Addressing these issues can prevent future incidents.
- Consult a doctor: Even if the person seems uninjured, it's a good practice to inform their physician about the fall.
Conclusion
Knowing how to lift a person after a fall is an essential skill for caregivers, and prioritizing safety is paramount. By first assessing for injuries and then employing the correct techniques, such as the two-chair method or using a specialized lifting aid, you can ensure a safer recovery for the fallen individual and prevent injury to yourself. Always remember to use your leg muscles, keep the weight close to your body, and communicate clearly. When in doubt, or if a severe injury is suspected, always call emergency services. Post-fall care and prevention strategies are key to minimizing future risks and promoting long-term well-being. For more information on patient transfers, visit OrthoInfo's Guide to Lifting Techniques for Home Caregivers.
