Personal Injury Lawyers
For those caring for an aging loved one, the possibility of a fall is something that no one wants to experience. Yet, even so, it’s something that all caregivers and home health aides must be prepared for. The following is a brief breakdown of the steps to take after a loved one has fallen provided by the In Home Health Care professionals of Expicare Nursing.
Know when to call 911
After a fall, it’s imperative to know when to call 911. If the senior is not responding, slurring their words, or they are not making sense: call 911. There is a possibility that they have suffered cranial damage in their fall, and they require immediate medical assistance.
If the senior is responsive and seems to be of sound mind, ask them questions to see how they feel. Ask them: what hurts? Do they think they can get up on their own? Do they think they broke a bone? Do they feel like they are bleeding? Do they think they bumped their head?
If the senior always says that they feel as though a severe injury has occurred, or they don’t know if they can get back up, call 911. Do not try to move the senior, as this will likely exacerbate both the injury and the situation. A trained emergency medical professional will be able to move the senior without causing further injury.
Help the senior up
If there are no serious injuries, you can now work with your loved one to get them back on their feet. It should be noted that this process needs to be done so gently and with patience.
Slowly help the senior roll onto their side, starting the process with their head and moving down their body until they end at their feet. Once on their side, you can help them to their hands and knees. Move a sturdy chair near them, and help the senior crawl to it.
From here, the senior should brace their hands on the chair seat, their stronger leg forming a 90 degree angle with the floor, and their other knee on the floor. With these four touchpoints, seniors can use their body to lift themselves up, while you steady them.
Once lifted up, guide the senior to the chair. Here they can sit and catch their breath for a few moments before attempting activity again.
