Slip and fall injuries are one of the leading causes of injuries for people over the age of sixty-five. An unexpected fall can be terrifying for the elderly and often causes injuries such as broken bones, bruises, and head injuries.
Knowing who to call when an elderly person falls is crucial. So how can you help your elderly relatives or those in your community if they have suffered a fall?
Follow our guide to find out.
Table of Contents
Assessing Potential Serious Injury
If an elderly person has suffered a fall, it is essential to take steps to assess the potential for serious injury. Ask the person what kind of pain or other symptoms they are feeling.
Check their pulse, their breathing, and look for signs of bleeding. Look for any fractures and bruises, and assess their mental state.
If the person can move, do some brief physical tests:
- Asses head and neck movement
- Check the range of motion
- Check joints for tenderness
If you have any concerns regarding their condition, call medical help. Doing so can provide the elderly with vital assistance and help them recover more quickly.
Who to Call When an Elderly Person Falls
If an elderly person has suffered a fall, is conscious, alert, and has no visible bleeding, assistance from a nurse, paramedic, or doctor may not be required. However, if the elderly person is unconscious, has open wounds, or shows signs of a life-threatening injury, call 911 and have them send an ambulance immediately.
Additionally, it is essential to keep the elderly person warm and safe, move any sharp and dangerous objects away, and ensure they are hydrated and nourished until medical help arrives. It is also essential to call family members or a caretaker to help support the elderly person and provide comfort while help is on its way.
Offering Physical Assistance
When encountering an elderly person who has suffered a fall, it is essential first to offer physical assistance. Provide a safe environment to ensure they feel secure.
Ask the individual if there is anything they require to assist them. Speak to them softly and gently, using calming language and motions to provide assurance and support.
Avoid moving them unless it is necessary for safety or requires medical attention. Provide physical assistance to help them stand or walk, if possible. Utilize a walking aid and give them the support they need.
Ask other bystanders for help and bring a sturdy chair for them to sit in. Offer the individual a warm drink or snack to comfort them. The elderly must also be encouraged to seek medical attention if necessary.
Providing Emotional Support and Reassurance
It is essential to calm and comfort the individual, speaking in soothing tones and reiterating that they are safe. Ask permission to touch them and approach them with compassion. Reassure them that it is natural to feel scared and uncomfortable after experiencing a fall.
Talk to them if they are willing, and provide words of support and encouragement. Let them know that they will likely need some time to recuperate but will eventually regain full mobility if they have not already.
Make sure they feel heard, respected, and understood. This can help make them feel more at ease and less scared in their current situation.
Creating a Care Plan
After a medical consult, it is essential to create a care plan. This should involve providing the older adult with support and assistance to help prevent future falls.
If the elderly person doesn’t have anyone at home to offer care and support, hiring an in-home care nurse can be a valuable option. An in-home care nurse can assist with daily activities, monitor health, and provide the necessary help to ensure their well-being.
Alternatively, if in-home care isn’t feasible or if more comprehensive support is needed, considering an assisted living facility might be beneficial. Places like crescent point at niantic, or similar facilities, can offer a range of services and support to ensure that residents receive thorough care. These facilities are often designed to provide care from head to toe, including medical attention, personal care, and assistance with daily activities.
However, if you choose to keep them at home, this may involve creating a safe and secure environment, ensuring that necessary assistive devices are available, and developing strategies for helping the older person move more easily. If the elderly person is cognitively impaired, instructions should be given in simple terms, and assistance should be provided.
Regular monitoring via senior care facilities can also be beneficial. They can provide 24/7 support. To learn more about the services they offer, visit https://www.tucsonseniorservices.com.
Implementing Home Safety Modifications
Helping elderly persons who’ve suffered falls is a challenging task that requires planning and quick-rational thought. Home safety modifications offer the elderly the best chance of recovering from the trauma induced by a fall.
The first step is to assess the environment for potential hazards that increase the risk of future falls, such as:
- Loose rugs
- Insufficient lighting
- Tripping hazards
Adapting the home environment to make it more accessible can help ease mobility and reduce the risk of another fall. Installing safety rails, widening doorways, and laying down non-slip flooring are some modifications that can be implemented.
Furthermore, encourage the older adult to use canes, walkers, and wheelchairs to move around the home.
Lastly, refer the elderly to a specialist or physiotherapist to evaluate the extent of the injury and to give advice on specific exercises and activities to build strength and stability.
Encouraging a Healthy Diet and Exercise
It is important to help older people who have suffered a fall, and encouraging healthy diet and exercise is one way to do so. Making sure that they have a balanced and nutritious diet is crucial as it can boost energy levels, and a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help to provide essential nutrients.
Regular exercise can also help to improve balance, coordination, and strength, making them less prone to falling again. Helping elderly individuals develop an exercise plan that suits their needs and fitness level can be beneficial.
To ensure they follow the plan correctly, it may be wise to provide them with a support system, such as finding a walking buddy or joining a senior fitness class. This will give them the support they need and encourage them to stay motivated.
Exploring Ways to Help the Elderly
An older person’s fall may cause severe physical and mental trauma. Knowing what to do and who to call when an elderly person falls should top your list.
With gentleness and patience, it is possible to help them to get back on their feet. As family or friends, it is crucial to prioritize their safety and provide emotional and physical comfort.
If you or someone you know needs assistance, contact your local senior care resources for further information. Make sure also to check out our other blog posts for more health and lifestyle tips.
