Help! I’ve fallen and I can’t get up!
April is Falls Awareness Month
Some of you may remember this catchphrase from a few decades ago. It started as an advertisement for an emergency alert system for seniors which pop-culture turned into a joke. It even featured in a parody song by Weird Al Yankovic! However, for anyone who has ever actually fallen at home, it’s no laughing matter if you find yourself in this position.
Have a plan
Just as you might make a plan for what to do in case of fire, if you live alone and are worried about what would happen in the event that you fall, you should make a plan for what you will do. Just knowing that you’ve thought through some of the possibilities should help ease concern over falling at home.
Some examples of things to include in your plan:
- First of all, slow your breathing and check for injuries.
- If not injured, try to get up (click here for an example), and then let someone know what has happened (a friend, GP, nurse)
- If you can’t get up, call for help using your phone, emergency alert or by calling out (Who would I call? Where is the number? Do I need an alert system?)
CLICK HERE TO VIEW A GUIDE ON HOW TO GET UP OFF THE FLOOR IF YOU HAVE FALLEN
If you aren’t sure if you are able to get up from the floor, your physiotherapist can help teach you the strategies you might use to do so. At SquareOne, our expert physiotherapists can help you build the flexibility and strength required to get down to the floor and back up again safely. Knowing you are able to do this can really ease anxiety about what might happen in the event of a fall, and you will become fitter in the process!
If you would like to know more about the benefits of exercise and reducing your risk factors for having a fall or to help talk through a plan, please contact our Titled Gerontological Physiotherapist Jennifer Brittain, 9968 3424 or book an appointment here
