Whilst avoiding a fall is the ideal situation it is important to make sure you or your elderly family member/friend knows what to do if they do fall. Try to practise this or encourage others to do so when well so you don’t panic if it does happen.
At first…
• Stay quiet for a moment and assess the situation.
• Check your body for injuries. If you are not badly injured decide whether you are going to get up. If you think you are injured (i.e. broken bone) stay where you are and seek help
If NOT injured follow these steps:
1. Roll onto your side
2. Crawl or drag yourself over to a chair
3. Get onto your hands and knees
4. From a kneeling position put your hands up onto the chair
5. Bring one knee forward and place that foot onto the ground, and push up off the ground using that leg and your hands
6. Push up with your hands and legs and pivot around to sit onto the chair
7. Do NOT try to pull yourself up on furniture as you may pull it over onto yourself
8. Take time to recover and tell someone you have had a fall. Seek medical assistance from your Doctor
If unsuccessful at getting up or INJURED then follow these steps:
1. Try sliding or crawling to seek help
2. Try and get to the telephone, front door, make a loud noise or use your personal alarm if you have one
3. Try and make yourself comfortable and warm
4. Lie quietly after you know someone has responded to your calls for help
If you have any concerns regarding your balance, risk of falling or home situation please contact us on 9968 3424 and speak to Sophie our Falls expert.
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