Elder Care - Teaching Your Elder How to Fall
Posted on Tue, Dec 07, 2010 @ 04:22 PM
By Hal Robertson
Just like anyone else, elderly folks tense up when they begin to fall. However, if you are able to demonstrate to your elder how to completely relax and fall like a rag doll would, the chances of reducing the severity of injury is greatly enhanced. Take the time to demonstrate this by falling into a chair or a bed. Simply go limp as you fall. Once you've done this a few times, ask your elder if they want to try it. Don't force them into doing this, but impress upon them how important it could be to help them escape serious injury should they fall.
Once you have gone through this exercise with them, you'll want to work with them on what to do once they are on the ground. Show them how to roll onto their hands so that they are able to crawl to a telephone to call for help. This can be accomplished by having them use a solid piece of furniture to raise themselves up for support. Not only will this help your elder in understanding how to get to the phone, but it will help them understand how to help themselves as opposed to panicking when they fall.
Regardless if they think they are fine after a fall, they should call for help - either by calling a caregiver, neighbor or 911. Anytime an elderly person falls, they absolutely need to be checked out by a doctor. Falls can sometimes be due to illnesses that have gone undetected, stroke, medication issues or potential infections.
If your elder falls when you are present, you will want to check for any severe pain they may be in, along with any difficulty they may have while trying to move. If they are in significant pain, or can't move, keep them calm and call 911 for additional assistance. If they don't appear to be in significant pain and are able to move, offer them support by bending your legs and keeping your own body straight. Another option would be to bring a small table or strong chair to them so they can lift themselves up on it with your help. Don't risk injury to yourself or further injury to your elder - if you don't think you will be able to help your elder without injuring yourself or causing further injury to your elder, call 911.
Hal Robertson
Level: Platinum
Hal has been involved with elder affairs since 2007. He got involved on a personal level when several elderly relatives began needing additional care. Since ...