Questions?
How can I help prevent a person from falling?
Have the person exercise regularly and have their eyes checked by an eye doctor each year. When you take the person to the doctor, ask for a review of their medicines to reduce any drug side effects. You can make changes to remove fall hazards in the home. If the person uses a cane or walker, be sure he or she uses it correctly. Have a person get up slowly from a lying or a sitting position, wear shoes inside and outside the house, and avoid wearing slippers or going barefoot.
If a person has fallen once is there a good chance they will fall again?
Yes, a person who has a history of falling is at risk to fall again.
If a person falls, what is the first thing I should do?
Do not try to move the person. Have him or her lie still until you can learn if the person is hurt.
When should I call 911 if a person falls?
- Call 911 if the person is unconscious, difficult to arouse or is having a hard time breathing.
- Call 911 if you know the person hit their head or if the person has:
- Bleeding from the head or face
- Severe headache
- Slurred speech
- Repeated vomiting
- Seizures
Can I hurt myself trying to help someone get into a chair?
Yes you can, especially if the person is very heavy. It would be wise to have someone else help you. If the person has fallen to the floor, have them get up to a kneeling position on their knees, facing a chair. Then have them move one leg in a ½ kneeling position and use the chair to partially stand. Then it is easier for you to help them stand up or move into the chair.
If you decide to help someone by yourself, use good body mechanics. Bend your knees, keep the back straight, and avoid excessive twisting.