Falls First-Aid for the Elderly

Falling Flowers

“There are four kinds of people in the world: people who have been caregivers, people who are caregivers now, people who will become caregivers in the future, and people who are going to need a caregiver.”

The elders, the guiding light of our lives, owing to their reduced motor skills and coordination, and giddiness owing to health issues and polypharmacy, can fall very often and can suffer significant injuries due to their weakened bodies. Falls are a major cause of disability and are also the leading cause of death as a result of an injury in people over the age of 75, particularly following a hip fracture. It is important for caregivers to know the basic first-aid for falls.

FALL and CONSCIOUS – First Aid

• First, support them to a comfortable position, while immobilising the injured area with a towel splint.
• Call for help (ambulance).
• Any open injuries with bleeding – compress the area with a clean cloth for 10 minutes.
• Do not apply turmeric powder over the injured site; it will worsen the infection.
• Look out for symptoms of STROKE:
  • F – Facial droop
  • A – Arm drift
  • S – Slurred speech
  • T – Time is brain – take him/her to the emergency room immediately

FALL and UNCONSCIOUS

• Check for response.
• Call for help if no response.
• Check for breathing and pulse.
• If absent, start CPR.

FAINTING SPELLS

• Most often, fainting spells happen due to decreased circulation to the brain.
• When a person faints, check for response.
• Lift the leg up to improve circulation to the brain for 10 minutes.
• When the patient feels better and is talking and comfortable, you can encourage him/her to drink orange juice.
• The person needs to be evaluated for causes of this episode including irregular heart rate, low BP, low sugar and more to prevent further such episodes.

Fall Prevention Products

• Tri-fold mat next to the bed to provide friction and to prevent falls from the bed.
• Posey friction socks provide warmth and friction while walking.
• Grab bars/bed rails/step stools should be installed in restrooms.
• Toilet safety frames should also be installed.
• Smart devices like smart watches, airbag vests, LED motion sensor lights, alert pendant, Mr Bah robot balance assistants, etc. can be used.

Falls in elders can cause fractures, brain injury and cut injuries. Elders need to be evaluated to find the cause to rectify it to prevent further falls.