Immediate Action: Assess the Situation First
Before attempting to lift an elderly person who has fallen, it is crucial to stay calm and assess the situation. Do not rush. Rushing can cause additional injuries. First, talk to the individual and determine if they are responsive and lucid. Ask them if they are in pain and where. Look for signs of injury like bruising, swelling, bleeding, or a limb that looks out of place.
When to Call for Emergency Help
If any of the following occur, do not attempt to move the person and call 911 immediately:
- They are unconscious or confused after the fall.
- They are in severe pain, especially in the head, neck, back, or hips.
- They cannot move or put weight on a limb.
- There is heavy bleeding or a possible broken bone.
- They complain of shortness of breath or chest pain.
- A head injury is suspected (e.g., dizziness, vomiting, loss of consciousness).
Method 1: Assisting with Sturdy Furniture
If the individual is not seriously injured and feels capable of assisting, a sturdy, non-rolling chair is an excellent tool to help them stand. Follow these steps:
- Communicate clearly: Explain each step to the person to keep them calm and cooperative.
- Help them to their side: Gently assist them in rolling onto their side, and then into a kneeling position, if possible.
- Position the chair: Place a sturdy chair directly in front of the kneeling person. Ensure it will not slip or tip.
- Rise to kneeling position: With your help and the support of the chair, encourage them to move onto their hands and knees.
- Use the chair for support: Have them place their hands firmly on the seat of the chair.
- Progress to a lunge: Help them bring one foot forward into a lunging position, while keeping their hands on the chair.
- Stand slowly: Support their back and assist as they push up with their arms and legs to a standing position.
- Stabilize in a second chair: Once standing, slowly pivot them to sit in a second chair positioned behind them.
Method 2: Using Assistive Devices
For caregivers or situations where manual lifting is challenging, assistive devices are a safer option.
Comparison of Common Lifting Aids
| Device Type | How it Works | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gait Belt (Transfer Belt) | A strong canvas belt with handles worn around the waist. The caregiver grips the handles for support and stability during transfers. | Assisting with standing and transfers for individuals who can partially bear weight. | Provides a secure grip without pulling on clothing or limbs; relatively inexpensive and portable. | Not suitable for lifting someone completely from the floor; requires the person to have some strength and mobility. |
| Manual or Hydraulic Patient Lifts | A mechanical frame with a sling that cradles the person. A hydraulic pump or manual crank lifts the person off the floor. | Individuals who cannot bear weight or have severe mobility limitations. | Safer for both caregiver and patient by eliminating manual lifting; accommodates a wide range of weights. | Can be expensive and bulky; requires training to operate correctly; not easily portable. |
| Sit-to-Stand Devices | A machine that assists a person to rise from a seated position to a standing position with a touch of a button. | People who have some leg strength but need help initiating the standing motion. | Reduces strain on the caregiver and promotes independence for the senior. | Generally not designed for floor recovery; a person must be able to sit up and reach the device. |
| Inflatable Lifting Cushions | A cushion that inflates at the push of a button, gently lifting the person from the floor. | Individuals who have fallen and need a low-stress lift with minimal manual assistance. | Excellent for single-caregiver scenarios; gentle and reduces strain on the person who has fallen. | May not be as common or accessible as other devices for home use; can be expensive. |
Proper Body Mechanics for Caregivers
Regardless of the method, practicing proper body mechanics is vital for your own safety as a caregiver.
- Bend with your knees and hips, not your back: Always squat down by bending your knees to get to the person's level.
- Maintain a straight back and engaged core: Keep your back as straight as possible to avoid injury.
- Lift with your leg muscles: Your legs are stronger than your back. Use them for the heavy lifting.
- Keep the load close: When assisting the person to rise, keep them as close to your body as you can to maintain balance and leverage.
- Avoid twisting: When you need to turn, move your feet rather than twisting your back.
- Communicate and coordinate: If a second person is available, coordinate your movements to lift simultaneously and smoothly.
Post-Fall Evaluation and Follow-Up
Even if the fall seems minor, a follow-up assessment is crucial. Monitor the elderly person for the next 24-48 hours for any delayed symptoms, such as headache, dizziness, increased pain, or confusion. It is also recommended to contact their primary care physician to inform them of the fall and rule out any hidden injuries or contributing medical issues. Finally, take steps to prevent future falls by removing hazards and installing assistive devices.
Conclusion
Knowing how to lift up an elderly person off the floor correctly is essential for preventing injuries and ensuring their safety. The first step is always to assess for serious injury and call for emergency help if needed. If the person is unhurt, a methodical, step-by-step approach using sturdy furniture or an assistive device like a gait belt or patient lift is the safest way to proceed. Caregivers must prioritize proper body mechanics to protect themselves from strain, bending with their knees and hips and keeping the load close. Following a fall, a thorough medical evaluation and proactive fall prevention measures are key to protecting an elderly person's long-term health and well-being. For more information on preventing falls, consider exploring resources from the National Council on Aging.
