What to do if an elderly person falls

As we age, our muscles weaken, and our balance decreases, and we become far more likely to fall. The middle of winter brings the added challenge of cold and icy conditions. This makes it the most likely time of the year for an older person to slip. With this in mind, here is some advice on how to help if you see an elderly person fall.

Older people are much more vulnerable and likely to fall, and even more so if they have a health condition.

Approximately 1/3 of adults over the age of 65 who live at home experience at least one fall a year. Furthermore, around half of these will fall more frequently.

Luckily, most falls don’t result in serious injury. However, when the person is older, their bones are much more prone to fracture or breaking. Falling can also crush someone’s confidence and make them feel as though they are losing their independence.

How can you help if an elderly person falls?

If you witness someone fall, try to ensure that they visit their GP, walk in clinic, or A&E for a check over.

Often, older people may hide an injury because they fear losing control of their independence. They might also feel embarrassed by the ordeal. It’s important to reassure them. Make sure they know, that even if they need some home help, their dignity and independence would be retained.

Do not try to get the person up immediately

You need to check for injuries first. Try to calm the person by asking them to take some deep breaths. They may well be in some shock, so you can do this with them to begin with. Circular breathing can be effective; breathe in through the nose and out through the mouth. While they are doing this, you can check them over for skin discoloration, swelling, or other sign of serious injury.

How to get the person up from the floor

If they are having problems moving or are in significant pain, call for an ambulance.

If there are no obvious signs of injury then you can offer to help them to get off the floor. It’s very important that you only assist them in getting themselves up. This needs to be done gradually and carefully with them in full control. They may be more hurt than they realise and fail to get up, so be ready for this possibility.

You can view and practice one recognised technique for helping someone back to their feet by studying this video.

If the fall occurs while there is a health professional nearby or a first aider, it’s always best to ask for assistance. There will be specific procedures for them to follow. The main thing to remember is to let them get up in their own time, without being hurried.

Following up

Always try to arrange a visit to the GP following an elderly fall as often, injuries may take a while to become obvious. If the person that fell is a loved one or a friend, keep an eye on them for a few days and check in on them regularly.

A fall can be difficult to brush off and severely damage confidence levels.

Falls prevention

It’s also a good idea to ensure that your older loved one can get about the house safely. Here are some tips to minimise the risk of falling.

• Assess whether they might need a walking frame, or a stick to help to get around.
• Make sure their sight is tested regularly.
• Check the home for any trip hazards – often older people like to keep frequently used things close to them to limit the amount of movement, especially if they have a lack of mobility. You may be able to help by getting them some easy access storage solutions to be placed where they like to sit.
• Check with your older relative to see if they are struggling to use the bathroom safely.
• Check the floors for trip and slip hazards – this might be rugs, unstuck lino, cables etc.
• Make sure they can easily gain access to cupboards or things that they need.

Together these checks can eliminate many causes of elderly falls.