What to Do if an Elderly Person Falls Down

1. Stay calm and help your loved one to remain calm by encouraging them to take slow, deep breaths.
2. Examine them for injuries like bruises, bleeding, possible sprains and broken bones.
3. Ask them if they are experiencing any pain, where it is located and how severe it is.

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Should an elderly person see a doctor after a fall?

An older person who falls and hits their head should see their doctor right away to make sure they don’t have a brain injury. Many people who fall, even if they’re not injured, become afraid of falling.

What happens if an elderly person falls?

Falls in older adults are often serious, resulting in functional decline, reduced quality of life, loss of independence and in severe cases, even death. It is estimated that about 40% of older adults fall within six months of discharge, with 50% of these incidents resulting in injury.

What to look for when an elderly person falls and hits their head?

When to See a Doctor

• loss of consciousness just before or after the fall.
• injuries.
• a strong or lingering pain.
• dizziness.
• nausea.
• overall weakness or unsteadiness.
• headaches.
• vision problems.

How long do seniors live after a fall?

According to Cheng, “An 80 year old often can’t tolerate and recover from trauma like a 20 year old.” Cheng’s team found that approximately 4.5 percent of elderly patients (70 years and above) died following a ground-level fall, compared to 1.5 percent of non-elderly patients.

What are the most serious consequences of a fall in the elderly?

For seniors, fractures are the most serious consequence of falls (short of death). The most common bones to fracture in falls are: The hip, femur (thigh bone), pelvis, and vertebrae (spine);

What is the first aid for falls?

Place a cold compress or ice pack on any bumps or bruises. Give acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain if your child is alert. Let your child rest, as needed, for the next few hours. Watch your child closely for the next 24 hours for any unusual symptoms or behavior.

What should you do after a bad fall?

If you think you can get up without assistance:

1. Roll over onto your side.
2. Rest for a few moments.
3. Get up onto your hands and knees and crawl to a sturdy chair.
4. Place your hands on the chair’s seat and move one foot forward so it is flat on the floor.
5. Keep your other knee bent.

How do you respond to falls?

These may vary between hospitals and settings but will generally include actions such as:

1. reassuring the patient.
2. calling for assistance.
3. checking for injury.
4. providing treatment as indicated.
5. assessing vital signs and neurological observations.
6. notifying medical officer and nurse in charge.
7. notifying next of kin.

What to look for after an elderly person falls?

Check for injuries, indicated by bruising, skin discoloration, or evidence of a break. If the person grimaces or cries out when they try to move or when you touch their limbs, call for an ambulance. Keep them calm and lying down until help arrives.

When should you go to hospital after a fall?

However, if pain from a fall persists beyond a few hours or you are unable to bear weight or move an upper extremity without pain, be sure to get evaluated by a physician. If the fall should cause a broken bone with skin disruption, get emergency care immediately.

Can’t get up after falling?

If you’re unable to get up, the first thing to do is seek help. The second thing is to find a warm location because people who fall may also be at risk of hypothermia. Reach for a blanket, clothing, or nearby covering to help keep warm. Even if heat isn’t a concern, it’s still a good idea to keep moving.

What are three psychological effects of a fall on an older person?

Falls can cause adverse psychological impact on carees, increased fear of falling again, decreased self-efficacy, and confidence in balance [5].

Can a fall cause death?

A fall is defined as an event which results in a person coming to rest inadvertently on the ground or floor or other lower level. Fall-related injuries may be fatal or non-fatal (1) though most are non-fatal.