Friday, March 29, 2024
HomeSponsored ArticleWhat to do after an elderly person falls

What to do after an elderly person falls

Falls are the leading cause of injury in the elderly. In fact, one out of every four elderly adults falls each year, sustaining severe injuries. This is a significant concern to everyone in their life, especially their caregivers. Although you should try to minimize falls, the inevitable can happen at any time.

Your response can significantly impact the outcome. That’s why learning what to do will ensure the person stays calm, doesn’t worsen their injuries and receives medical help more quickly. 

The most common injuries are sprains, broken bones, and head injuries. Keep in mind that you may need a specialist for some injuries, such a doctor who regularly treats concussions, or an expert from the Align Foot & Ankle Center for breaks or sprains. 

Read on to find out what to do should an older person fall in your presence.

Don’t Move Them Immediately

After a fall, help them calm down, then check for injuries, bruises and swelling. Ask if they’re in any pain, and where. When in severe pain, limit movement and keep them comfortable as you call for help. If they have hit their head or are bleeding, assess whether moving them would risk further injury. If you are not sure, call emergency services for guidance.  

What To Do When the Elderly Person Is Unresponsive

If there’s no response when you call their name or touch them gently, they could be unconscious or even in a coma. Check if they’re breathing normally. If not, start CPR and have someone call 911 for help, or call yourself. Ensure the older person is comfortable, then loosen their clothes and try to clear the airways.

If They Have a Head Injury, Check for Responses

Check for severe injuries, as these can be deadly. This is especially true in the case of head injuries. Look at the person’s eyes for signs of a concussion such as swelling, blood in one or both eyes, pupil dilation, or unequal pupil size. If they can’t follow your finger or their eyes are unresponsive, call for an ambulance immediately.

Help Them Up, If They Feel Ready

If the older person has fallen and is lying on their back, help them sit down or lay down in a more comfortable position. If they feel that they can stand up, help them get up slowly but check for sharp pains or difficulty standing.

Ask if anything hurts. If the person can walk, guide them to a nearby chair to check for injuries and then rest for a while. If they develop a fever, pain, or seem disoriented, call 911 immediately.

If You Don’t Know What to Do

Call the medics if you’re confused or don’t know what to do. The same is true if you can’t lift them off the ground on your own. However, you can try to help the person sit up if they’re not in excruciating pain, and then prop them up against something or lay them on their side so as not to choke on vomit. Check for clear breathing and make a call for help afterward.

When an Elderly Person Falls Often

Frequent falls are a sign of more severe health conditions or cognitive impairments. When you realize this could be an issue, book them for a thorough checkup. Some possible causes might be: 

  • Blood pressure issues or impaired vision that lead to slips and falls
  • Nerve damage and sensory issues
  • Lack of muscle coordination
  • Environmental hazards
  • Declining physical fitness
  • Chronic illnesses

How To Prevent Falls

There are a few things you can do to minimize the risk of falling. A doctor can prescribe stabilizing shoes, including ones with anti-slip soles. Using proper lighting and decluttering can also lower the risks of slips and falls. Other considerations are:

  • Installing grip rails and loops within safe reach
  • Reserving a pathway that’s well lit and clutter-free
  • Having them under supervision at all times, especially when their health is declining
  • Investing in non-slip flooring and keeping it dry at all times
  • Keeping them physically active to build muscle strength and improve coordination

Your Fast Action Can Determine the Outcome After a Fall

When a fall results in serious injuries, what you do next can significantly impact your loved one’s recovery. Make sure you seek immediate medical help but keep them comfortable and calm in the meantime. Even when it was a minor fall, make sure to have a medical checkup afterward.

(Image Credit: Photo by SHVETS production from Pexels)


 Any Web sites linked from Medical News Bulletin site are created by organizations outside of Medical News Bulletin and are the sole responsibility of those organizations. These links are strictly provided by Medical News Bulletin as a convenience to you for additional information only. Medical News Bulletin does not approve or endorse the content on any third-party Web sites and is not responsible for the content of linked third-party sites or third-party advertisements, as well as does not make any representations regarding their content or accuracy. Your use of third-party web sites is at your own risk and subject to the terms and conditions of use as per such sites policies. Medical News Bulletin does not provide specific medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and hereby disclaims any assumption of any of the obligations, claims or liabilities..

RELATED ARTICLES

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Latest News and Articles

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTERS

Stay Connected
10,288FansLike
820FollowersFollow
249FollowersFollow
2,787FollowersFollow

Article of the month

Don’t Wait to Vaccinate: Cervical Cancer Jabs Most Effective at Age 12

Researchers from across Scotland scoured more than a decade’s worth of health records to assess just how well a nationwide secondary school vaccination campaign...

Joke Of The Day – March 29

- Doctor, by what symptoms can you determine the development of dementia? - Well, I already told you about this yesterday...

RECENT COMMENTS

ADVERTISE WITH US

error: Content is read-only and copy-protected.