Immediate Action: The Crucial First Steps
When an elderly person falls, your first instinct may be to rush over and pull them up. However, this is dangerous and can cause further injury to them or yourself. The immediate steps you take are the most important for ensuring a safe outcome.
Assess the Scene and the Person
Before you do anything else, pause and quickly assess the situation.
- Check for Danger: Is there anything near the person that could cause further harm, such as broken glass, a wet floor, or a loose electrical cord? Clear the area if possible.
- Talk to Them: Ask if they are in pain or have hit their head. Ask them to move their fingers and toes. If they report severe pain, especially in their head, neck, back, or limbs, or if they are unresponsive, do not attempt to move them. Call emergency medical services immediately.
- Look for Injuries: Do a visual check for obvious injuries like bleeding, swelling, or bone deformities. If you see any, call for professional medical help.
- Reassure Them: Speak in a calm, reassuring voice. Let them know you are there to help and that everything will be okay. The emotional shock of a fall can be significant.
The Safe Lifting Process (Using a Chair)
If you have assessed the situation and determined the person is not seriously injured and can help, the safest method involves using a sturdy chair. This technique minimizes strain and gives the person more control over their own movement.
Step-by-Step with a Chair
- Place the Chair: Bring a sturdy, heavy chair without wheels close to the person's head, positioning it so the back of the chair is facing them. You can use a kitchen chair, a dining chair, or a sturdy armchair.
- Move to All Fours: Guide the person to roll onto their side. Gently help them push themselves up onto their hands and knees. This is often the most difficult step, so be patient and offer support.
- Position to Kneel: Help them crawl towards the chair until their knees are directly in front of the chair's seat.
- Use the Chair: Instruct them to place their hands on the seat of the chair. This provides a stable point of support. They can then use their upper body strength to begin lifting themselves.
- Lift One Leg: Help them lift one foot and place it flat on the ground. They will now be in a kneeling lunge position.
- Stand Up: Once stable, they can push up using both their arms on the chair and their legs. You should stand behind them, providing support at their waist with your hands, and be ready to steady them. Never lift from under their arms, as this can cause shoulder injuries.
- Pivot to Sit: Guide them to slowly pivot and sit down on the chair. Do not let them fall back into the chair.
Comparison: Lifting with a Chair vs. Lifting with Two People
| Feature | Using a Chair (Single Helper) | Using Two People |
|---|---|---|
| Safety | High. Provides a stable intermediate step and minimizes helper strain. | High. Distributes weight and provides balanced support. |
| Equipment | Requires one sturdy chair. | Requires no equipment, but teamwork is essential. |
| Independence | Encourages the senior to use their own strength. | More passive for the senior; relies heavily on the helpers. |
| Risk of Injury | Low, if done correctly. | Low, if both helpers use proper lifting techniques and communicate. High if one person is significantly stronger. |
| Best For | Seniors who can bear some weight and follow instructions. | Seniors who are heavier, weaker, or less able to participate in their own lift. |
Alternatives and Considerations
If You Have No Chair
If a chair is not available and the person is not injured, two people can work together. One person can support under the person's shoulders, while the other supports at the knees, lifting in a coordinated, slow manner. Both helpers must communicate clearly and use their legs, not their backs, to lift.
Mechanical Lifting Devices
For caregivers who frequently assist with falls, specialized devices like inflatable lifting chairs or portable hoists can be invaluable. These tools drastically reduce the risk of injury for both the senior and the caregiver.
Post-Fall Care and Monitoring
After the person is safely off the floor, do not leave them immediately. Watch for signs of shock or dizziness. Monitor them for the next few hours for any delayed symptoms like confusion, headaches, or increased pain. Even if they seem fine, it's wise to consult a doctor, as some injuries, particularly head injuries, may not be immediately obvious. For more resources on preventing future falls, the CDC offers helpful information and guidelines.
Conclusion: Your Calm Response is Key
Knowing how to pick up an elderly person who has fallen is about more than just brute strength; it's about a calm, systematic approach. By assessing for injury first, using a safe method like the chair technique, and following up with proper care, you can turn a frightening event into a manageable situation. Always remember that if there is any doubt about the person's condition or your ability to lift them safely, the best course of action is to call for professional help. Preventing future falls through home safety modifications and exercise is the ultimate goal, but being prepared for an emergency is equally important.
