As we get older, we start to lose muscle density, balance, and strength. Each year, 1 in 4 adults over the age of 65 suffer a fall. These falls are the leading cause of traumatic brain injury for adults, and knowing what to do before and after can help prevent some of the worst consequences. In this article, we’ll discuss ways to care for a senior after a fall. Let’s dive in.
Before You Help Them Up
Stay calm. The first thing you need to do is take a deep breath or two to settle any panic. Don’t make any moves in panic — let it pass before you move to the next step.
Identify the cause. Both for your safety and to prevent further injuries to your loved one, identify and remove the obstacle, liquid, tripping hazard, etc.
Ask what hurts. If there’s a potential broken bone, sprained muscle, or head/neck/brain injury, it is likely best to leave them there until help arrives.
Check for consciousness. Even if only briefly, ask your loved one if they remember the fall or lost consciousness (if you didn’t witness it yourself). Signs include a headache, dizziness, acting tired, etc.
Call an ambulance. If your loved one seems badly injured (bleeding badly, showing signs of severe bruising, or lost consciousness, for example), call 911 for a first responder or an ambulance to help you with next steps.
IMPORTANT: Don’t move your loved one unless you’re completely confident in your ability to help them up without aggravating an injury or making things worse.
A Safety-Conscious Pick Up Technique
If you’ve determined that it’s safe to pick them up without the assistance of a professional/medical team and that you’re both strong and stable enough to do it, here’s a safety technique for lifting your loved one with reduced risk:
Grab two chairs. Make sure they’re stable and won’t slip under pressure.
Place one near their head and one near their feet, both facing your loved one.
Help your loved one roll to their side.
Help them into a kneeling position.
Have them brace their hands on the chair in front of them.
Help them put one leg up toward the chair (pull it forward as if they’re doing a lunge).
Make sure you support their body as needed while they get into position.
Finally, reposition the chair that is now behind them to support them into a sitting position.
Safety & Prevention
If your loved one hasn’t suffered a fall, there are simple things you can do to reduce their risks. If your loved one has suffered a fall, once they’re cared for, it’s important to take steps to prevent a recurrence. Here are some safety and prevention tips:
Identify any prior fall causes and remove obstacles/reduce risks accordingly
Swap slippery shoes, socks and slippers for pairs with slip-proof soles and/or grippy socks
Add railing to stairs and other hazardous places (like showers and toilets), both indoors and outdoors
Consider getting your loved one a personal alarm so they can alert you to a fall
Consider getting a walking aid, like a cane, wheelchair, or walking frame.
Place strategic lighting under stairs or split levels using strip lighting or solar lights to improve visibility
Add anti-slip padding to any rugs that slide, or remove them completely
Keep walkways and high-traffic areas as clutter-free as possible
Add rubbery/grippy rugs to slippery places (like tiled floors, under sinks, and near showers)
While prevention won’t stop every fall, every fall can be devastating. Taking steps to prevent the next one could make all the difference.
Closing Thoughts: Caring for a Senior After a Fall
Each year, 30,000 adults over the age of 65 die as a result of a fall or related injury. That’s why it’s important to take your time and make sound judgment calls as you determine the best next steps to keep them safe. When in doubt, call an ambulance – it’s better safe than sorry.
The California Caregiver Resource Center of Orange County is here to provide assistance and guidance to help you through this journey. Check out our library of resources to help you navigate this experience. Together, we can navigate the healthcare landscape and help you provide the best possible care for your loved one(s).
Further Reading: Navigating Resentment as a Caregiver
Caregiver resentment is a common emotional challenge that family caregivers face, way more often than they may admit (so you’re not alone in this even if it feels like it). Your resentment is natural, but it doesn't have to define your caregiving experience. In the end, finding balance and support is the key to a sustainable and fulfilling caregiving journey. So let’s talk about it: dive in here.
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