The CDC's latest statistics reveal an alarming trend among older adults in the United States - falling incidents. Shockingly, almost one-third (28%) of all adults aged 65 and above suffer falls each year, leading to approximately 36 million falls. The consequences of such falls are potentially devastating, ranging from minor injuries to life-altering disabilities, and even death. Consequently, it has become increasingly vital for older adults to learn and implement effective fall prevention techniques to minimize the risk of falling. However, despite best efforts, falls can still occur, and it is crucial to be equipped with the knowledge of how to handle such situations. By being well-informed and prepared, older adults can minimize the potential for serious harm after a fall.
You can easily suffer from bodily harm or a concussion after a fall. It's important to assess the situation immediately. One thing that will help you do this is checking yourself for injuries.
Before you even try to get up, you should seek to understand if your head or other body parts suffered injury. This will allow you to decide whether getting up will be safe or if it could lead to further problems.
After assessing yourself, you will have to consider two options. First, if you're not hurt, you can try to get yourself up. However, you should call for help if you're wounded. An injured leg or hip, for example, could lead to another fall if you cannot pull yourself up completely without pain.
Here are the steps you should take if you've fallen but remain unhurt:
Firstly, you should look for furniture such as a chair nearby to help you. Then, you should attempt to roll to your side toward the furniture. You can do this by turning your head in the direction you wish to roll. After that, move your shoulder, arms, hip, and leg in the same direction.
Now that you have rolled, stay stationary for a few moments. This will allow your blood pressure to adjust and normalize. It's important not to rush to get up. Even if you are not injured, doing so can cause dizziness, which can make the situation worse.
When you feel ready, slowly lift your upper body and head upwards. Once again, you should rest for a few moments before moving on to the next step.
If you saw a piece of furniture nearby in the first step, now is the time to crawl towards it. You should be on your hands and knees when moving toward the item.
However, you must ensure that the furniture piece is stable and will support your weight. For instance, you could use the support of a sturdy chair. Of course, a sofa would be a better option. A lamp or barstool, for example, likely will not be stable enough to support the weight of a person.
Now you should kneel side-on towards the furniture piece with your strongest leg beside it. You should also slide the foot of this leg forward and ensure that it is flat on the ground.
At the same time, bend your other leg so that your knee touches the floor. Finally, put both hands on the furniture to get up slowly and turn your body so that you can sit on the sofa or chair.
After sitting on the furniture piece, stay seated and think about how you're feeling. Typically, you should call for help or contact someone you know. Even if you don't feel injured, the pain may come later, or you could have suffered an internal injury.
Sometimes, you may consider your injury mild and try to get up. However, you may not be able to. In such a case, the best option is to reach for your phone and call for help. If you don't have a phone within reach, you should try reaching a window. Making noise will help you gain attention.
While waiting for help, remember some health tips. For instance, look for something soft to rest your head on. Also, try to keep warm and keep moving if it is safe to do so. This will help you prevent yourself from becoming stiff.
Here are the top things you can do to take care of yourself after a fall:
The most important thing to do is visit a doctor for an examination. This will help you avoid preventable consequences. The doctor can also recommend medicine for pain and help you recover quicker.
You should also explain why you fell. For example, if you were dizzy before you fell, talk with your doctor about addressing the root of the problem.
If the doctor lets you know of an injury, be sure to get it treated as soon as possible. Avoid leaving the hospital without treatment because of fear, finances, or other reasons.
You may think that getting painkillers will help you survive. However, remember that minor injuries can turn serious quickly if you don't get suitable treatment.
An essential thing that most people don't do after a fall is rest properly. You may think of doing your chores, exercising, or running errands. However, it is advisable to wait at least a day in mild cases and several days in severe conditions. If you don't rest, the mild pain is most likely to increase.
When you notice swelling, immediately apply a cold pack on that body part. Typically, you should use it for ten to twenty minutes several times per day. After the first four days, you should switch to heat packs. This will help you manage and reduce pain once the inflammation disappears.
Let us know in the comments below - What helped you recover from a fall?
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