Falls are a common and often distressing experience, especially for older adults or those with mobility challenges. Knowing how to respond effectively and preparing the home environment can make a significant difference in ensuring safety and recovery. This guide covers immediate steps to take after a fall, tips on creating a safer home environment, and the importance of minimizing risks such as prolonged time on the floor (a "long lie").
1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
The first step is to remain calm and assess your loved one’s condition.
Ask Questions: “Are you in pain?”, “What caused the fall?”, and “Can you move at all?”
Evaluate the Situation: Look for signs of serious injury, such as:
Head injury: Confusion, dizziness, or loss of consciousness.
Fractured hip: Severe pain, inability to move one leg, or an outward-turned leg.
Spinal injury: Numbness, tingling, or paralysis.
If any of these signs are present, do not move them.
2. Do Not Move Them if There’s Pain or a Head Injury
Moving someone with a potential head, neck, spine, or hip injury can worsen the condition. Instead:
Call Emergency Services: Explain the situation clearly and wait for professionals.
Keep Them Comfortable: Cover them with a blanket to keep them warm until help arrives.
Monitor for Symptoms: Watch for increased confusion, pain, or breathing difficulties.
3. Help Them Up Safely (Only If No Serious Injuries Are Present)
If your loved one feels able to get up and there are no visible injuries, assist them carefully:
Guide Movement: Encourage them to roll onto their side and use their hands to push themselves into a kneeling position.
Provide Support: Use a sturdy piece of furniture, such as a chair, to help them stabilize as they rise.
Avoid Strain: Do not pull them up forcefully, as this can lead to further injury.
4. Minimize the Risks of a Long Lie
A long lie refers to prolonged time spent on the floor after a fall, which can lead to complications like hypothermia, dehydration, pressure sores, and even increased mortality risks. Research highlights that up to 50% of individuals who experience a long lie are hospitalized within 30 days due to related complicationsduce Long Lie Risks:**
Lifeline Pendants: Encourage wearing a pendant that allows them to call for help immediately.
Check-In Systems: Schedule regular phone or in-person check-ins if they live alone.
Blankets Within Reach: Place a warm, accessible blanket in key areas like the bedroom or living room to help them stay warm if they fall.
Padded Flooring: Use carpet or padded mats to reduce impact injuries.
5. Managing Bleeding or Soft Tissue Injuries
If the fall results in cuts or bruises:
Control Bleeding: Press a clean cloth or bandage firmly over the wound.
Clean the Wound: Gently rinse with water to remove dirt.
Reduce Swelling: Apply a cold pack (wrapped in a cloth) to bruised areas for 15–20 minutes.
Monitor for Infection: Watch for redness, swelling, or heat around the wound.
Seek medical help if the wound is deep, won’t stop bleeding, or shows signs of infection.
6. Preparing the Home for Someone at Risk of Falls
Creating a safe environment is key to preventing falls and ensuring comfort if one occurs.
Precautions to Consider:
Accessible Blanket: Place blankets within reach in key areas to prevent hypothermia during a fall.
Non-Slip Mats: Use mats with grippy undersides in bathrooms and kitchens.
Declutter Pathways: Remove loose cables, rugs, and other tripping hazards.
Install Grab Bars: Add sturdy bars in bathrooms, hallways, and by the bed.
Lighting: Use nightlights and ensure hallways and staircases are well-lit.
Furniture Placement: Ensure that commonly used furniture (like chairs and tables) is stable and easy to reach.
Medical Devices and Safety Tools:
Keysafe: Allows emergency responders to access the home quickly if needed.
Lifeline Pendant: Enables immediate contact with emergency services after a fall.
7. The Importance of Medical Follow-Up
Even if the fall seems minor, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider. Falls can indicate underlying health issues such as:
Vision problems.
Medication side effects causing dizziness.
Muscle weakness or balance issues.
8. Evidence on the Risks of Long Lies
Research underscores the dangers of prolonged time on the floor following a fall. A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that individuals left on the floor for more than an hour had significantly higher rates of complications, including dehydration, pneumonia, and pressure ulcers .
Proactively these risks—through tools like lifeline pendants, regular check-ins, and accessible blankets—can significantly reduce recovery time and improve outcomes.
9. Build Strength and Confidence
Encourage your loved one to engage in activities that improve balance and strength, such as:
Tai Chi: Enhances stability and coordination.
Physical Therapy: Tailored exercises can address specific weaknesses.
10. Equipment to get People off the Floor
If you’re caring for someone at risk of falls, investing in equipment to help lift them safely off the floor can make a significant difference. Devices like the Camel Lift, ELK Lift, and Raizer 2 provide effective and dignified solutions for assisting someone who has fallen. The Camel Lift and ELK Lift by Mangar use inflatable cushions to gently raise the person to a seated or standing position, ideal for those who cannot bear weight. Both are powered by lightweight, portable pumps and are easy to use in small spaces. The Raizer 2, on the other hand, is a motorized chair that assembles around the fallen individual, lifting them smoothly into a seated position with minimal effort from the caregiver. These devices reduce the physical strain on helpers and prioritize the safety and comfort of the person being assisted. For more details, you can explore Mangar's ELK and Camel Lifts, or learn about the Raizer 2 from Liftup.
Final Thoughts
Falls can be distressing, but a thoughtful response and a well-prepared environment can ensure safety and reduce the risk of complications. Focus on prevention by minimizing hazards, equipping your home with safety tools, and addressing any medical concerns.
By taking these steps, you not only support your loved one’s recovery but also empower them to live confidently and safely. Stay prepared, and remember: every precaution you take today helps protect tomorrow.
Please note this is for guidance only, if in any doubt please contact a health care professional and seek their advice. Moving someone after falling how has a spinal injury can lead to life changing injuries, if in doubt ask for medical assistance.
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