Elderly Falls What to Do

Falls are very common in older people. They are usually caused by a combination of risk factors. These include:

Physical obstructions, slippery ground or medical equipment failure

Cognitive decline and other mental changes

Medicines that affect balance and how steady you are on your feet (like blood thinners).

Falling can cause a head injury





If someone falls and hits their head it is important they get help immediately to avoid serious damage to their brain. fall monitor for seniors If they have a medical condition, like Alzheimer's, it is even more important they get help right away as the damage can be irreversible.

It is important to find out what happened in the days leading up to the fall - was the person having trouble eating, missing their medication or not feeling well? This can help you and your loved one to understand what could have caused the fall.

Ensure your elderly person has a personal alarm that can be pressed in the event of a fall or other problem, to alert a 24 hour response centre for help. These are usually wristbands or pendants that can be worn at all times.

Encourage them to exercise and keep active at all times as it helps their muscles, bones and joints stay strong and flexible. medic alert nz Joining an exercise class, joining a walking group or getting involved in tai chi are all great ways to keep fit and prevent falling.

If they are not injured after the fall and you feel able to assist them to their feet, gently roll them onto their hands and knees, look for a stable piece of furniture and gradually support them on to it before assisting them back up. Once they are on their feet and stable, try to get them to stand up on their own. If they do not seem to be able to do this, it is safest to call an ambulance and keep them as warm and comfortable as possible until help arrives.