Help with some cautions.
Even though the Seniors’ Choice Home Management registration does not allow us to provide transfers or lifting, there is a way we can help a client who has fallen under some circumstances. This method may be helpful for family caregivers too. It is especially helpful to prevent back injury to the family caregiver.
If you are with your loved one and sense he/she is going to fall, do whatever you can to protect his/her head and ease the person gently down to the floor.
- After a fall, do not move the person until you are certain there are no injuries.
- If your loved one lives in a nursing home, assisted living setting, or senior apartment building that has an emergency call system, pull the cord or push the button for staff assistance.
- If there is any indication of emergency help needed (difficulty breathing, non-responsiveness, severe pain, excessive bleeding, etc.,) call 911.
- If you are concerned about whether or not an ambulance is needed, but there doesn’t appear to be an emergency, make the person as comfortable as possible and wait for a few minutes.
- Most people want to be helped up immediately. If you think the person is not injured, have him/her stay where she is and do the following before starting to help him/her up:
- Ask again, “Do you hurt anywhere?” Ask especially about head, neck and back pain.
- If no pain, have the person move each arm and leg.
- If no pain, ask person if she/he could help him or herself up if you bring a chair
If, yes, bring a sturdy kitchen-type chair close to the person. Have him/her roll onto stomach and then slowly get up on hands and knees. You may provide support for balance. Steady chair and have him/her put hands first on rung s of chair, then on seat, and slowly pull self up. Steady client with hand for balance and have him/her turn and sit on chair. Let client sit for a time and rest before trying to walk. Then give a hand for balance and help client to a more comfortable place.
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