How to lift an elderly person off the ground? A caregiver's safe guide

According to the CDC, over one in four adults aged 65 and older falls each year. If a loved one has fallen, knowing how to lift an elderly person off the ground safely is critical to prevent injuries for both the senior and the caregiver. This guide provides essential steps and techniques for responding calmly and effectively to a fall incident.

Quick Summary

This guide outlines the critical steps to take when an elderly person falls, including immediate injury assessment, proper manual lifting techniques, and the use of assistive devices like gait belts and patient lifts. It also covers common mistakes to avoid to ensure safety for all involved.

Key Points

• Always assess for injuries first: Before attempting to lift, check for any visible injuries, severe pain, or disorientation. If found, call 911 immediately.

• Lift with your legs, not your back: Bend at your hips and knees while keeping your back straight to use your powerful leg muscles for the lift.

• Use a sturdy chair and teamwork: For manual lifts, use two chairs to guide the senior from the floor to a seated position, leveraging their own strength.

• Assistive devices reduce strain: For individuals who cannot bear weight or have frequent falls, use equipment like gait belts, stand-assist lifts, or floor lifts to ensure a safer transfer.

• Never twist your body: Always pivot with your feet and move your entire body as one unit to prevent back strain during the transfer.

• Keep the person close to your body: Holding the senior close to your body minimizes strain on your arms and back.

• Communicate and move slowly: Talk through each step with the person and use slow, steady movements to avoid frightening them or causing re-injury.

First Steps: Assess the Situation and Stay Calm

When an elderly person falls, your immediate reaction should be to remain calm and assess the situation before attempting to move them. Rushing to lift someone can cause further injury, especially if there is an unknown fracture or head injury.

1. Reassure the individual. Speak in a calm, soothing voice to keep them from panicking.
2. Visually check for injuries. Look for cuts, bruises, swelling, or any signs of severe pain, especially in the head, neck, back, or hips.
3. Ask about pain. Politely ask where they feel pain and if they can move their hands, arms, feet, and legs without severe discomfort.
4. Decide whether to call for help. If the person reports severe pain, has a visible injury, appears disoriented, or has lost consciousness, do not attempt to move them. Call 911 immediately. If they are uninjured and able to follow instructions, proceed to the lifting techniques below.

Proper Manual Lifting Techniques (Without Assistive Devices)

If the senior is uninjured and can assist, a manual lift can be performed safely by using good body mechanics and a sturdy chair. This is a controlled, step-by-step process that relies on the senior's own strength as much as possible.

The Chair-Assisted Method

This technique is safer than a full, deadweight lift and is recommended for individuals who can help themselves to a degree.

1. Find two sturdy chairs and position them strategically. Place one chair firmly by the person's head for stability and another behind their feet.
2. Help them roll onto their side. Guide them slowly onto their side and then help them get onto their hands and knees. If their knees are sore, place a towel underneath them.
3. Position them to kneel. Have them crawl forward until their hands can reach the seat of the chair positioned in front of them. Make sure their hands are placed firmly and evenly.
4. Guide them into a lunge. Ask them to bring their strongest leg forward into a kneeling lunge position, with their foot flat on the floor.
5. Steady them while they stand. As they push up with their arms and legs, provide steady, gentle support at their waist or hips. Keep your own back straight and lift with your legs.
6. Assist them to the other chair. Once they are standing, move the second chair directly behind them. Guide them backward and help them to sit down slowly, ensuring they can feel the chair's edge with their legs first.

Using Assistive Devices for a Safer Lift

For seniors with limited mobility, assistive devices are the safest option, preventing strain for both the caregiver and the senior.

Comparison: Manual Lift vs. Assistive Device

Feature	Manual Lift (with chair)	Assistive Device (e.g., patient lift)
Physical Exertion	High for caregiver and senior	Minimal for caregiver, supports senior's full weight
Risk of Injury	Higher risk if done incorrectly, or if the senior is heavy or unable to assist.	Very low risk when operated properly.
Senior's Role	Requires the senior to use their own strength and coordination.	Senior is securely supported and passive during the lift.
Cost	Free; uses common household items.	Requires purchasing or renting specialized and sometimes costly equipment.
Best For	Alert, uninjured seniors who can participate in the process.	Seniors who cannot bear weight, are too heavy for a manual lift, or have frequent falls.

Common Assistive Devices

• Gait Belt: A belt with handles that a caregiver can use to maintain a secure grip on a person's waist, providing extra stability during the lifting process.
• Portable Floor Lift: A mechanical or hydraulic device designed to lift a person from the floor using a sling or seat. These are especially useful for situations where manual lifting is unsafe due to weight or mobility issues.
• Powered Lift Chair: For seniors who can move to a seated position, a lift chair can be maneuvered behind them to assist in rising to a standing position with the push of a button.

What to Avoid When Lifting an Elderly Person

Avoiding these common mistakes is crucial for the safety of everyone involved.

• Never twist your body while lifting. Always pivot by moving your feet instead of twisting your back, which can cause serious injury.
• Don't pull on their arms or shoulders. This can cause pain or injury to the senior's joints and ligaments. Instead, use a gait belt or support their trunk and hips.
• Avoid sudden or jerky movements. Use slow, controlled motions throughout the process to prevent re-injury.
• Do not rush. Take your time to plan the movement and communicate with the person. Rushing can lead to mistakes and further injury.

Conclusion

Responding to an elderly person's fall requires a thoughtful, calm, and prepared approach. By first assessing for injuries and determining the best course of action, caregivers can ensure a safer outcome. Whether using a chair-assisted manual technique or relying on assistive devices for added security, prioritizing proper body mechanics is key to protecting both the senior and yourself. Recognizing when a fall is too serious to handle alone and calling for emergency medical assistance is the most critical decision a caregiver can make to ensure their loved one receives the appropriate care. A proactive approach, including safety-proofing the home and encouraging strength and balance exercises, is the best strategy for long-term fall prevention.

For more detailed guidance on proper caregiving techniques, consider resources like the Caregiver Action Network.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I call 911 instead of trying to lift an elderly person?

You should call 911 immediately if the senior has a visible injury, complains of severe pain (especially in the head, neck, or hips), is disoriented, has lost consciousness, or if you are not physically able to lift them safely.

What is the safest way to manually lift an elderly person off the floor?

The safest manual method involves using sturdy chairs. First, help the person roll to their side and kneel. Then, use the chair to support them as they push up to a standing position, with you providing steady support at their hips.

What is a gait belt and how do I use it?

A gait belt is a safety device with handles that is worn around a person's waist. You use it to hold onto the person securely, providing stability and control while assisting them during a transfer.

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

If the person is too heavy or unable to assist, do not attempt a manual lift alone. This puts both of you at risk of injury. Instead, use assistive devices or call for professional help, such as a lift assist from emergency services.

What are common mistakes to avoid when lifting a senior?

Common mistakes include twisting your body while lifting, pulling on the person's arms, rushing the process, and underestimating their weight or mobility limitations. Always use proper body mechanics and communicate clearly.

Can regular exercise help prevent falls in the elderly?

Yes, regular exercise focused on improving balance, strength, and flexibility can significantly reduce the risk of falls. A physical therapist can also recommend exercises tailored to their specific needs.

How can I make the home environment safer to prevent falls?

To prevent falls, you can remove tripping hazards like clutter and loose rugs, install grab bars in bathrooms, ensure adequate lighting, and use non-slip mats and footwear.