Falls can be a frightening experience for anyone, especially for older adults who may be more vulnerable to injury. Knowing how to respond appropriately and safely when an elderly person falls is crucial for family carers, care professionals, and support workers alike. This guide will help you understand the best actions to take, how to support someone after a fall, and ways to encourage confidence and mobility moving forward.
Understanding the Immediate Impact of a Fall
When an elderly person falls, the physical impact is often only part of the story. Even if they aren't visibly hurt or in severe pain, they may experience a state of shock. This shock can manifest in several ways:
- Distress: The fall can be upsetting and frightening.
- Confusion: They might feel disoriented or unsure of what happened.
- Embarrassment: Many older adults feel self-conscious and want to get up quickly to avoid attention.
It's important to recognise that these reactions can affect how they behave immediately after the fall, and rushing them to get up might not always be the safest option.
Why Rushing to Get Up Can Be Dangerous
If the person who has fallen is older, frail, or has existing health conditions, trying to get up too quickly could cause further harm. Sometimes, the injuries sustained during a fall aren't immediately obvious. For example, fractures or internal injuries might not cause pain straight away but can worsen if the person moves improperly.
Because of this, the safest approach usually involves:
- Keeping the person still and comfortable on the floor.
- Keeping them warm to prevent shock.
- Calling for professional medical help, such as paramedics, to assess the situation thoroughly.
Waiting for paramedics might feel inconvenient, but it ensures the person receives a proper check-up and reduces the risk of aggravating hidden injuries.
How to Keep Someone Safe and Comfortable on the Floor
While waiting for medical assistance, your priority is to make the person as comfortable as possible without moving them unnecessarily.
- Keep them warm: Use a blanket or coat to prevent chills, which can worsen shock.
- Reassure them: Speak calmly and gently to reduce distress and confusion.
- Monitor their condition: Keep an eye on their breathing, consciousness, and any signs of pain or discomfort.
Remember, moving them too quickly or without proper technique can cause more harm, so patience is key.
What to Do if They Insist on Getting Up
Sometimes, despite advice, the person who has fallen might want to get up on their own. This can be due to embarrassment or a strong desire to regain independence quickly. If this happens, there are safer ways to help them:
- Encourage them to roll onto their hands and knees first.
- Place sturdy objects like chairs on either side to provide support.
- Help them push up slowly using the chairs to steady themselves.
However, this method is not generally recommended unless absolutely necessary, as hidden fractures or injuries might worsen with movement.
Following Up with Medical Checks
Whether or not the person gets up immediately, it's important to seek medical advice following a fall. A visit to the GP, District Nurse, or paramedic can help identify injuries that aren't obvious and ensure the person receives the right treatment.
Signs that medical attention is needed include:
- Persistent pain or discomfort.
- Difficulty moving or bearing weight.
- Confusion or unusual behaviour after the fall.
Prompt medical assessment can prevent complications and support a smoother recovery.
Rebuilding Confidence and Encouraging Movement After a Fall
Falls can significantly affect an elderly person's confidence and willingness to move. This can lead to reduced mobility, muscle stiffness, and even a higher risk of future falls. Encouraging gentle, careful movement is important to:
- Prevent stiffness and muscle weakness.
- Maintain independence.
- Boost emotional well-being and confidence.
It's best to encourage movement as much as is safely possible, following any medical advice. Staying active helps reduce the fear of falling again and supports overall health.
Additional Tips for Supporting Elderly Loved Ones After a Fall
Beyond immediate first aid and medical checks, there are several ways you can support an elderly person in the days and weeks following a fall:
- Create a safe home environment: Remove trip hazards, improve lighting, and install grab rails where needed.
- Encourage regular exercise: Activities like walking or gentle stretching can improve balance and strength.
- Monitor medication: Some medications can affect balance or cause dizziness.
- Provide emotional support: Falls can be emotionally challenging; listening and reassurance are vital.
For more detailed advice on preventing falls and supporting mobility, visit our guide on preventing falls in older people.
Conclusion
Knowing what to do if an elderly person falls is essential for providing safe and compassionate care. The key steps are to keep them calm, comfortable, and warm, avoid rushing them to get up, and seek medical advice promptly. Supporting their recovery by encouraging gentle movement and rebuilding confidence can make a huge difference in their overall well-being.
If you want to deepen your knowledge on moving and handling techniques or learn more about caring for elderly loved ones, feel free to explore our Learning Centre for more helpful advice and resources.
If you're worried about the risk of falling for you or someone you care for, our friendly team are on hand to offer advice. Speak to us today.
FAQs
Everything you need to know about how to respond after a fall
Stay calm and check if they are conscious and breathing. Do not rush to move them unless they are in immediate danger. Keep them warm and comfortable, reassure them, and call for medical help if needed.
Only if you are confident they are not injured and they insist on getting up. Use sturdy support like chairs and help them roll onto their hands and knees before standing slowly. When in doubt, wait for professional help.
Shock can cause the body to lose heat rapidly, increasing the risk of hypothermia, especially in older adults. Keeping them warm helps stabilise their condition while waiting for medical assistance.
Hidden injuries such as fractures, internal bleeding, or head trauma can worsen if untreated. Delaying medical checks may lead to complications and longer recovery times.
Encourage gentle movement and activity within their limits, provide emotional support, and make their environment safe to reduce fear and promote independence.
Discover More Support & Information For Your Care Journey
Visit our Learning Centre for expert articles, helpful videos, in-depth guides, and answers to common questions - helping you make informed care decisions with confidence.
Explore Now
With a background spanning over two decades in the field of marketing, I have had the privilege of working across diverse industries, ranging from insurance to sports, technology, and health & well-being.
While my previous experience did not directly involve care services, I have acquired a deep understanding of the sector’s needs and challenges through my wife. For the past eight years, she has been dedicated to providing the highest level of support to her clients as a compassionate caregiver.
Witnessing the profound impact that committed caregivers have on their clients’ lives when the opportunity arose to join the esteemed team at Unique Senior Care, it was an easy decision for me to make.
During my free time, you may find me leisurely strolling across fields with a metal detector in hand, eagerly exploring the possibility of unearthing hidden treasures. Alternatively, I love nothing better than making the most of our National Trust membership and cherishing precious moments spent with my family.
I am genuinely thrilled to be a part of the Unique Senior Care team, where I can bring my expertise to the table and share a sincere passion for enhancing the lives of those we serve.
