How to Get Up From a Fall: Step-by-Step Guide for Seniors Presented by Lumen5
According to the CDC, more than 1 in 4 people age 65 and older fall each year. Even worse, after an older adult falls, lying on the floor for a long time or getting up incorrectly could cause additional injury – even if they weren’t seriously injured from the fall itself.
For example, someone who isn’t able to get up or call for help may develop serious complications like dehydration, hypothermia, pneumonia, or pressure sores. Watch to learn more Knowing what to do if a fall does occur and practicing ahead of time will give them confidence that they’ll be able to help themselves and minimize injuries Seniors should only consider getting up if they’re not injured or dizzy from the fall.
Watch to learn more If you find that your older adult has been injured in a fall, don’t move them, that could make their injuries worse. Watch to learn more Instead, call 911, keep them as warm and comfortable as possible, and wait for emergency responders to arrive.
How to get up from a fall when there are no injuries
1. Stay calm and still.
2.Don’t move for a few minutes because moving too quickly can cause more harm.
3. Figure out if you’re injured.
4. Slowly move hands and feet, arms and legs to check for pain.
5. If there are no injuries, slowly roll onto your side, starting the movement with your head and moving down your body toward your feet.
6. Take a moment to rest.
7. Slowly push up into a crawling position and crawl slowly on hands and knees toward a sturdy chair or piece of furniture.
8. Don’t rush and rest as needed.
9. Place your hands on the seat of the chair, one at a time.
10. Supporting yourself with the chair, bring your strongest leg up to a 90 degree angle by putting that foot flat on the ground.
11. The other leg stays in kneeling position.
12. Slowly push up to standing using both arms and legs.
13. Slowly turn around and lower yourself onto the chair.
14. Sit and catch your breath for a few minutes before doing anything else.
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