What to Do if Dad Falls
Falls are very common among the elderly population. Approximately one third of all elderly people who live at home will fall at least once during the year. Falls are so common that they are the seventh leading cause of death for people over the age of 65. After a person falls for the first time, they are more likely to fall again. With falls being so common for the elderly, it’s a good idea to know how to help your dad get up in case he falls. Your dad should also know how to get up safely on his own.
Elderly Care Broomall PA – What to Do if Dad Falls
Helping Dad Get Up
If you witness your dad falling, your first inclination will likely be to rush to him and help him to get off the floor. However, it’s best to take a moment to assess the situation before you try to get him up. Make sure he isn’t injured and that he is capable of standing again. If he needs medical attention, call for help immediately.
If he can stand up, follow these steps to help him safely off the floor:
- Place a sturdy chair near him.
- Have your dad turn on to his side and bend his upper leg at the knee.
- Help your dad move into a position that has him semi-seated.
- Stand behind your dad with your hands on his hips and his hands placed on the chair. Assist him into a kneeling position.
- With his hands still on the chair, have your dad start to stand by placing his stronger leg in front. Keep your hands on his hip for guidance.
- Help your dad to stand and then turn and sit on the chair.
Teach Dad to Get Up Safely Alone
Your dad may not always have someone around to help him get up, so it’s a good idea to make sure he knows the proper technique to safely get up on his own. Teach him these steps and have him practice them with you or his elderly home care provider until he is comfortable getting up without reminders or assistance.
- Locate the closest piece of sturdy furniture, preferably a chair.
- Roll to your side and rest for a moment while your blood pressure adjusts.
- Slowly begin to push your upper body and then your head off the floor. Rest.
- Get on to your hands and knees and crawl to the piece of furniture.
- Place your hands on the furniture and move one foot forward until your foot is flat on the floor. Your other leg should remain with the knee on the floor.
- Get up slowly and then turn your body so that you can sit on the chair.
- Stay seated until you are certain you are okay to stand.
When to See a Doctor
If your dad falls, it’s important that he tells someone—either you or his elderly home care provider. While he may think he’s fine, sometimes the effects of a fall show up a few days later. He may also have an underlying condition that caused the fall. If your dad is injured in the fall, lost consciousness, experiences dizziness, has trouble seeing, has lingering pain, or feels nauseous, he should see his doctor.
Sources: http://www.merckmanuals.com/home/older-people%E2%80%99s-health-issues/falls/falls-in-the-elderly
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/seniors-aines/publications/public/injury-blessure/falls-chutes/index-eng.php
http://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/tc/how-to-get-up-safely-after-a-fall-topic-overview#1
If you or an aging loved one are considering Elderly Care Services in Broomall PA, please contact the caring staff at True Direct Home Health Care today.
Doc, as he is called by everyone - staff, patients and clients - first experienced home health care and hospice care while as a colleg student at King's College as he cared for his mother every day while she first battled COPD and then lung cancer. It was during this time that he came to understand that caring for a patient was more than just clinical expertise.
"Admittedly, my strongest attribute is my communication skills and the simple fact that I love to help people. Even the smallest thing you can do for someone really can mean so much to them long term. In fact, it could change them forever. That's what providing quality personal home health care should be all about."
In his spare time, he cooks for homeless shelters and children's music and arts events. He also is highly involved in his local youth sports soccer academy as a coach and Board member.
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