Elderly Person Falls What to Do

When an older person falls, it is important to check for injuries. Once it is determined they are not injured, they should be helped up slowly from the floor.

People who fall often have a combination of risk factors. Doctors usually do tests to identify these factors and treat them.

Assess the Injuries

If an elderly person falls and hits their head, it’s important to assess whether they are injured. Even a mild head injury in older adults can be very serious and can lead to long-term disability.

If the person is unable to move on their own or has any signs of bleeding, call 911 and wait until paramedics arrive. In the meantime, keep them warm and help them to stay in a comfortable position. Avoid moving them too much, as this could worsen any injuries they may have suffered.

A medical evaluation is often delayed after a fall, and it’s important to ask about the person’s general health and history of falling. The response to these questions can help to decipher underlying etiologies. For example, lightheadedness with a change in position may indicate orthostatic hypotension, while a new onset of balance problems may suggest cardiovascular involvement or a medication side effect.

You should also make a note of the time and date of the fall, as well as any symptoms that occurred immediately before the fall. This will allow you to discover whether there are any compounding factors that contributed to the fall, such as the person not eating enough or taking certain medications, such as sedatives and sleeping medicines, which can cause dizziness and balance issues. Having this information on hand will help you and the doctor to take steps to prevent future falls.

Move the Person

A fall can be frightening, and if an elderly person hits their head it could cause serious injury. Elderly people often become vulnerable to falls due to a decline in mobility, medication, physical obstructions and long-term health conditions. It is also not uncommon for older people to experience frequent falls, which can lead to anxiety and increased risk of future incidents.

Once the shock of a fall has worn off it’s important for family members to know how to move the person who fell safely. The first step is to examine them for injuries such as bruises, bleeding and possible sprains or broken bones. It is also helpful to determine the cause of their fall so you can address any issues that may be causing them to be more likely to fall in the future.

The next step is to offer to help them get up if they are not too badly hurt. It is advisable to wait until they are completely out of the shock phase before attempting any movement as excessive handling can increase the risk of further injury. To minimise the risk, place a chair directly behind them and encourage them to slowly get up into this position. During this process it’s a good idea to ask them if they are in pain and where the pain is located as this will let you know if it’s safe for them to continue to try and stand up.

Call for Help





People who are unable to call for help after falling can develop serious complications, such as dehydration, hypothermia, or pressure sores from lying on the floor. They can also experience a range of emotional responses, including fear of falling again, which can make them less likely to get up and move around their home.

If the person is conscious, ask them if they are in pain and where the pain is located. You can then use the information they give you to assess whether moving them would be harmful, such as if there are signs of broken bones or bleeding.

Reassure the person and help them to remain calm. This can be difficult, especially if the fall is causing significant pain and discomfort. You can also try to discover the cause of their fall. This may include asking if they ate earlier that day, did they miss any medications that day, or if they had any feelings of dizziness or weakness before the fall.

If the person is not in immediate danger, you can help them to stand up slowly. It is important not to rush them, and you can stop at any time if they become stuck or start feeling pain again. You can also watch this video for a demonstration of safe techniques for getting up after a fall.

Monitor the Person

After an elderly person falls, it is important to monitor them for a while. Make sure that they don’t fall again – check for any obstructions on the floor or in their home, and mop up any spills promptly. Encourage them to keep a well-charged cordless phone near the bed or living room, so that they can call for help in case of another fall. Some older people also wear a medical alert system, where they can push a button on a necklace to call for assistance.

alarms for seniors A day or so after a fall is a good time to talk to the doctor about the senior’s risk factors for falling, including medications, vision problems, health conditions, and foot problems that could affect balance. gps tracker for dementia patients Some seniors are reluctant to tell doctors about falling, because they believe that it is simply part of growing older.

If a senior cannot stand up on their own, it is important to help them get up slowly and carefully. Ask them to roll over onto their side and then move onto their hands and knees, if needed. If they have sore knees, you can put a towel under them to make the process easier for them. Then, gently encourage them to sit up in a chair. It is essential that they do this slowly so that they can remain calm and do not injure themselves again.