Falls are a leading cause of injury among the elderly, often resulting in broken bones, head injuries, or a loss of independence. As a caregiver, knowing how to respond when your elderly loved one falls is critical to ensuring their safety and reducing the risk of further injury. A quick, calm, and informed response can make a significant difference in their recovery and well-being.

This guide provides a comprehensive action plan for caregivers on what to do immediately after a fall, how to assess for injuries, when to seek medical help, and preventive steps you can take to reduce the risk of future falls.

Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

Remain Calm and Encourage Your Loved One to Stay Still

If you witness your elderly loved one fall, it’s natural to feel panicked. However, staying calm is essential to effectively assess the situation and offer help.

  • Encourage your loved one to stay still. Before moving them, ask them to remain where they are to avoid worsening any injuries, especially if they’re in pain.
  • Take a deep breath and approach them carefully. Keeping calm will help your loved one feel more secure and minimize anxiety.

Check for Consciousness and Breathing

Before attempting to move them, check whether your loved one is conscious and breathing.

  • If they are conscious: Speak calmly and ask how they feel. If they can respond clearly and aren’t experiencing severe pain, continue to assess for injuries.
  • If they are unconscious or unresponsive: Call 911 immediately. If they’re not breathing or there’s no pulse, start CPR (if trained) until emergency personnel arrive.

Assess for Injuries Before Moving

Ask About Pain and Discomfort

Before attempting to help them up, ask your loved one where they feel pain. This will help you determine if they’ve sustained an injury and whether it’s safe to move them.

Questions to ask:

  • “Do you feel any pain or discomfort?”
  • “Can you move your arms and legs?”
  • “Does it hurt anywhere specific, like your head, back, or hips?”

Look for Visible Signs of Injury

Inspect your loved one for any visible signs of injury, such as:

  • Bruising or swelling: Particularly around the hips, wrists, or ankles.
  • Cuts, scrapes, or bleeding: Check for any abrasions or bleeding.
  • Deformities: Look for obvious signs of fractures, such as joints or limbs appearing out of place.

If you notice any of these signs or if your loved one complains of pain in areas like the head, neck, back, or hips, do not move them and call 911 for assistance.

Help Them Get Up Safely (If There Are No Serious Injuries)

Step-by-Step Guide for Safely Helping Them Stand

If you’re certain that no serious injuries have occurred, and your loved one feels they can get up, follow these steps to assist them safely:

  1. Find a sturdy piece of furniture: A chair or sofa can provide support as they get up.
  2. Assist them to roll onto their side: Help them move slowly onto their side to avoid sudden movements.
  3. Move into a kneeling position: Guide them to slowly push themselves onto their hands and knees, using the furniture for support.
  4. Help them to sit on the furniture: With your assistance, they can grab onto the furniture and carefully pull themselves into a sitting position.
  5. Sit with them for a few moments: Allow them to rest and regain their balance before attempting to stand.

Important Note: Avoid trying to lift them by yourself if they are unable to help themselves or if you risk injury by doing so. In such cases, call for professional assistance.

Seek Medical Attention if Necessary

When to Call 911 or Seek Emergency Medical Care

Certain situations require immediate medical attention. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if your loved one:

  • Is unconscious or confused after the fall.
  • Cannot move a limb or is in severe pain, especially in the hip or back.
  • Is bleeding excessively or has a deep wound.
  • Shows signs of a head injury, such as a bump, dizziness, vomiting, or blurred vision.
  • Complains of chest pain or difficulty breathing.

Schedule a Doctor’s Appointment for Non-Emergency Falls

Even if the fall seems minor and there are no obvious injuries, it’s essential to follow up with a healthcare provider. They can check for internal injuries, review medications that may contribute to balance issues, and recommend further evaluations like X-rays or bone density tests.

Monitor Them for Delayed Symptoms

Watch for Signs of Hidden Injuries

Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, especially after a minor fall. Monitor your loved one closely over the next 24-48 hours for any delayed symptoms, such as:

  • Headaches or dizziness: These could indicate a concussion or other head trauma.
  • Persistent pain: Unexplained pain, especially in the joints, hips, or back, should be evaluated by a doctor.
  • Changes in mobility or balance: Any new difficulty walking or standing may indicate a hidden fracture or muscle injury.
  • Confusion or memory loss: These symptoms could be signs of a head injury or underlying health issue.

If any of these symptoms appear, contact a healthcare professional immediately.

Prevent Future Falls

Conduct a Home Safety Assessment

After your loved one has recovered, take steps to make their environment safer and reduce the risk of future falls.

Common home modifications to consider:

  • Install grab bars in the bathroom near the toilet and shower.
  • Use non-slip mats in the bathroom and kitchen.
  • Improve lighting: Ensure hallways, staircases, and outdoor paths are well-lit.
  • Remove tripping hazards: Keep floors clear of clutter, secure loose rugs, and tidy up electrical cords.
  • Arrange furniture carefully: Make sure furniture is placed to allow for easy navigation, especially if your loved one uses a walker or cane.

Encourage Balance and Strengthening Exercises

Maintaining balance and strength is key to preventing future falls. Encourage your loved one to participate in regular exercises designed to improve balance, mobility, and muscle strength.

Exercises that may help:

  • Tai chi or yoga: Gentle movement exercises that improve balance and flexibility.
  • Strength training: Light weight-lifting or resistance exercises to strengthen muscles and improve coordination.
  • Balance exercises: Simple exercises, such as standing on one foot or using a balance board.

Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new exercise routine, especially if your loved one has pre-existing conditions.

Review Medications and Health Conditions

Certain medications or health conditions can increase the risk of falls. If your loved one takes medications, especially sedatives or blood pressure medications, speak with their healthcare provider to review potential side effects, such as dizziness or confusion.

In addition, ensure your loved one has regular vision and hearing check-ups, as impaired vision or hearing can contribute to poor balance and increased fall risk.

Conclusion

When your elderly loved one falls, knowing how to respond quickly and appropriately can make a significant difference in their recovery and safety. By staying calm, assessing the situation, and seeking medical attention when necessary, you can provide effective support and care. Once the immediate crisis is over, taking steps to prevent future falls—such as making home modifications and encouraging exercises—will help protect your loved one from future injury and improve their quality of life.