Getting up off the floor

Most people just assume that only very old &/or frail people fall - until it happens to them. I had many fit and healthy people (yes past the age of 60) come into hospital after a fall. They told me they were ‘just going to move a pot plant/shake out a rug/put up a hook” ect. ect.

I had hospital patients admitted after lying on the floor for hours, sometimes days, because they had not “practiced” how to get up off the floor. While practicing getting off the floor may seem extreme while you are still able to walk around upright, falls happen unexpectedly, resulting in a state of shock, anxiety and reduced cognitive function. Often there is pain after a fall and this confounds the ability to think rationally. There are changes in the brain of older people that increase any effect of stress and impair cognitive thought for some time.

Regardless of your present mobility, while you have support around you, go down onto the floor and think how you may get back up again. Do this more than once. The pattern of movement and confidence will be necessary IF you do fall. Yes, having you phone or Call Assist alert with you is an excellent idea, people do often fall in unexpected places and times, such as the bathroom, or at the letterbox (more common than you think).

There are many videos on the web you can watch for more detailed information.

Lie still until you have collected your thoughts and feel you can now move. You may be in pain, so move slowly. Roll onto you side first. There is no need to rush.

Move towards a solid object that you can use to pull your self up. Sit for a moment and then call for help. it is very advisable to be checked out after a fall.