The immediate aftermath of an elderly person falling can be frightening and confusing. Your first instinct may be to rush over and help them up, but this could cause further harm if they have a serious, hidden injury. Knowing the right steps to take is crucial for their safety and your own.
Assess the Situation and Stay Calm
Upon discovering an elderly person on the floor, your first priority is to stay calm and reassure them. Panicking can increase their anxiety and make assessing their condition more difficult. Speak in a soothing voice and encourage them to take slow, deep breaths.
Next, assess the scene. Identify any potential hazards, such as spilled liquid, furniture, or wires, that could cause another fall or injury to you while you assist. Do not try to move them immediately. The most important step is to determine if they have suffered a serious injury.
Look for Signs of Serious Injury
Check for visible signs of injury without moving them. Look for cuts, bleeding, bruising, or swelling. Ask them if they feel any pain, specifically in their head, neck, back, or hips. Watch for these critical red flags:
- Unconsciousness or confusion: If they are unresponsive, lethargic, or disoriented, call 911 immediately.
- Head injury: Signs can include a severe headache, vomiting, blurred vision, or memory loss. Symptoms might appear hours or days later, so vigilance is key.
- Severe pain or inability to move: Intense pain, particularly in the back, neck, or hip, suggests a potential fracture or spinal injury.
- Limb deformity: An obvious misshapen limb or a leg that appears shorter or turned awkwardly often indicates a fracture.
- Excessive bleeding: Apply firm pressure with a clean cloth to severe wounds while waiting for help.
If you see any of these signs, do not attempt to move the person. Your primary role is to keep them comfortable and still until medical professionals arrive. You can cover them with a blanket to keep them warm and provide reassurance.
When is it Safe to Move an Elderly Person?
If the person is responsive, can move their limbs without severe pain, and shows no obvious signs of serious injury, you can help them get up. However, proper technique is essential to prevent injury to both of you. This is a slow, careful process, not a quick hoist.
The Safe Method to Assist an Uninjured Person
- Preparation: Bring two sturdy, non-rolling chairs to the person's side. Place one near their head and one near their feet.
- Roll onto side: Help them gently roll onto their side. Encourage them to use their arms to assist if possible.
- Hands and knees: Assist them to move into a hands-and-knees position. Place the hands on the seat of the chair near their head for support.
- Rise to a kneeling lunge: Help them bring one foot forward, placing it flat on the floor in a kneeling lunge position. Ensure their balance is stable before moving to the next step.
- Stand and sit: Move the second chair behind them. With their hands on the first chair, assist them to push up with their legs and sit back into the second chair.
- Rest and monitor: Have them rest in the chair for a while to regain composure and check for dizziness before attempting to walk.
Comparison of Movement Scenarios
| Feature | Serious Injury Suspected | Minor Injury (No Fracture/Head Trauma) |
|---|---|---|
| Action to take | Do NOT move the person. Call 911 immediately. | Assist them carefully using the step-by-step method. |
| Goal | Prevent exacerbating a potential spinal, head, or bone injury. | Safely help them off the floor while minimizing strain. |
| Immediate care | Keep still, warm, and calm. Stop any bleeding. | Provide first aid for minor cuts or bruises. |
| Risks if moved | Permanent paralysis, worsened fracture, internal bleeding. | Caregiver injury, further injury to the senior from incorrect lifting. |
| Follow-up | Emergency medical evaluation is mandatory. | Recommend a follow-up with their primary care doctor. |
After the Fall: What's Next?
Regardless of the severity of the fall, it is essential to contact the elderly person's primary care physician to inform them of the incident. This is important even if they seem fine afterward, as a doctor can evaluate for internal injuries, review medications that may cause dizziness, and identify underlying health issues contributing to falls. A doctor may also recommend follow-up tests, such as X-rays, or physical therapy to help with recovery and balance.
Preventing future falls is also a priority. This may involve a home safety assessment to remove tripping hazards, like loose rugs, and install grab bars. Physical therapy can improve strength and balance, reducing future risk.
Conclusion
Deciding whether you should move an elderly person after a fall is a critical decision that depends entirely on a careful and calm assessment of their injuries. The safest default is to assume a serious injury until proven otherwise. Never move someone who reports head, neck, back, or hip pain, or shows signs of unconsciousness or severe bleeding. For minor falls, employ proper techniques to help them up slowly and safely. Always follow up with a healthcare provider to ensure a full recovery and to address any underlying causes to prevent future incidents.
