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.

How should an elderly person get up from a fall?

If there are no injuries, slowly roll onto your side, starting the movement with your head and moving down your body toward your feet. Take a moment to rest. Slowly push up into a crawling position and crawl slowly on hands and knees toward a sturdy chair or piece of furniture. Don’t rush and rest as needed.

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 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.

Why do elderly fall so much?

What are some causes of falls? The normal changes of aging, like poor eyesight or poor hearing, can make you more likely to fall. Illnesses and physical conditions can affect your strength and balance. Poor lighting or throw rugs in your home can make you more likely to trip or slip.

What should you look for after a fall?

Seeking medical attention right away after a fall can reduce your risk of experiencing long-lasting injury, chronic pain or even death. Symptoms of a Potential Fall Injury

• Severe or lingering pain.
• Headaches.
• Obvious swelling.
• Ringing in the ears.
• Bruising.
• Loss of balance.
• Dizziness.
• Back pain.

What is the safest way to fall?

How to fall without injury

1. Lean forward into the fall—this gives you some control over direction.
2. Fall sideways, if possible.
3. Aim toward open areas and toward grass or dirt rather than concrete.
4. Aim away from other people and away from objects that can cause puncture wounds or fractures.

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].

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 happens when elderly fall?

Some falls can be serious and result in death. Death may occur immediately—for example, when the head hits a hard surface and causes uncontrolled bleeding in or around the brain. Much more commonly, death occurs later, resulting from complications of serious injuries caused by the fall.

How long should you rest after a fall?

Muscles have a very good blood supply and therefore bleed more and for a longer time, often producing a large bruise. Ligaments don’t have a great blood supply so will bleed less. It’s important to rest during this phase to allow time for the bleeding to stop ( approx. 4-6 hours ).

Should I go to the doctor after a fall?

Seeing a doctor immediately after a fall is imperative. Waiting to seek medical treatment can prolong your discomfort and possibly worsen your condition. You could also be at risk of falling again.

When should you go to the hospital for a fall?

Emerman says patients who’ve suffered a head injury should visit the Emergency Department immediately if they: Lost consciousness or became confused/disoriented after they were injured. Suffered the injury at a high speed (car or bike accident, a steep fall, etc.) Are vomiting or feel nauseated.