If my 83 year old woman falls, how do I assist her from the floor?

If all else fails call 911 and tell them you need a lift assistance. You as a caregiver cannot afford to injure yourSelf. Bless those patient, strong, wonderful, full-time, heavily insured Tax-paid 1st responders.

my mother only fell a few times in her last few years . i would place a strong footstool behind her back, then when she was calm and rested enough i would help her propel herself backwards onto the stool. one arm around her back, the other under one or both legs.

Good answer, geewiz. That's how I get my large brother up - he weighs about 190 lbs, and can be unsteady as he gets up, and I'm small. So I first wait with him a bit, then put something solid near him so he can pull himself up. I would add, if she is lying on her back, there is an intermediate step: wait with her, then roll her to her side, and put the furniture near her. The goal is to help her get turned over so she can get her weight onto elbows then her knees. Once she is on her knees and hands, it is easier for her to use any stable object (I hold my brother's walker for him, for it has a horizontal bar) to lift up. Just keep waiting for her pace, but go through process to get her turned over, and let her lift herself up - you can stay close to steady her if she wobbles, but you don't lift her weight.

WOW, CAREFULLY. I've watched the steps in the AL where my Mom is. First they tell the resident to stay still for a moment. Then they carefully have the person move and bend each extremity. If anything is out of order, you may need professional help. The actual getting up steps vary. Don't pull on their arms. See if there is a strong piece of furniture that can be moved near them to give them something to hold onto. It's best if the person can help him/herself. There are several items on the web if you google it.