What to do when the elderly person falls?

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gregcapes Asked June 2015

What to do when the elderly person falls?

I am 67 yrs, old with COPD & AFIB, the elderly man is 91 with COPD & severe asthma & no upper or lower body strength & weighs about 200+ lbs. What do my wife & I do? We are worried about breaking bones in his arms & causing severe anxiety on his part? We are not able between the 2 of us to help him up.

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score 1 · Answer 1

Call 911 to get some help. He is heavy and will require a good bit of assistance. You don't want to hurt him or yourself. The EMTs can also check him over to make sure nothing is broken or damaged. They can transport him to the hospital if needed.

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score 0 · Answer 2

Also, try to do whatever you can to prevent falls. Dad resists using his walker, we insist. We assist all transfers from sitting to standing, getting off the bed, and showering, etc.

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score 0 · Answer 3

Gregcapes, All great suggestions. I met a couple in the rehab place my dad was in following hip surgery. The wife was there due to injury trying to stop her husband from falling. My mom still has back pain from trying to help dad when he passed out while they were waiting for the paramedics to arrive.

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score 1 · Answer 4

If he can be guided to his hands and knees, you can sometimes "walk" them up a piece of furniture, a non-rocking chair if available. There are videos on you tube showing this technique and others that might help. You are correct, don't pull on their arms or hands, you can dislocate the shoulder that way, and at the very least, cause bruises.

The paramedics can get them up, and at the same time, observe them for injuries or dizziness. They do not always have to transport, only if they deem it necessary.

By the way, some communities have a "subscription" available for ambulance services where you pay an annual fee and have special treatment as a benefit. You might check into that and see if it's available in your area.

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score 2 · Answer 5

Call the paramedics. When you call, tell the operator you need help getting your 91-year-old friend odd the floor. They will help you, gladly most likely.

PLEASE don't try to get him up yourselves. If you do, one of these times someone's going to call the paramedics to help get THREE people off the floor.

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