Helping an older adult after a fall

Falls are the most common cause of injury in older adults. A fall can happen anywhere and have serious consequences – not just for the older adult, but also for friends, whānau, and family caring for them. Follow these guidelines to help an older adult recover after a fall.

Older adults and falls

When an older adult falls, they are more likely to have injuries such as a concussion or broken bones.  This means they may lose their independence and need someone to care for them.  It pays to know what to do if they have a fall.

What to do immediately after a fall

If an older adult has a fall, here’s what to do straight away:

Approach them calmly

Reassure them and be alert to any immediate dangers to both of you.

Do not rush to move them

Get down to their level and assess the situation.

If they are not responsive

Check if they are breathing:

• Yes - Carefully put them into the recovery position to keep their airway clear and call 111 for emergency medical help. 
  About the recovery position.
  
  
• No – Start CPR immediately if you are comfortable to do it and call 111 for emergency medical help.
  CPR and how to do it

If they are responsive

• Talk to them. Try to work out why they fell, and if there might be a medical cause such as a seizure (fit) or a stroke.
• If appropriate, call 111 for an ambulance and keep reassuring them until the paramedics arrive.
• Work out where it hurts most, and check for any obvious bleeding, bruising, or an obvious injury such as a broken bone.
• If you think they may have fallen from a height, DO NOT MOVE THEM. They may have a neck, spinal injury, or concussion.
• Try to keep them as still as possible. 
• If they are bleeding, apply firm pressure with a clean pad or bandage.
• If they start to show signs of shock – rapid heartbeat, clammy skin, or trouble breathing – lie them back, raise their legs a little, and keep reassuring them that help is on the way.

If there is no obvious injury

If there is no obvious injury or medical cause for the fall:

• slowly and carefully help the person into a sitting position
• watch them for any signs of pain, discomfort, or dizziness
• help them into a chair or bed
• check them over thoroughly to make sure there are no injuries. This is very important for diabetics who may not feel where they have hurt themselves
• monitor them carefully for the next 24 hours.

Check and recognise the signs of a concussion

Concussion is a brain injury. You don't need to knock your head or even lose consciousness to experience a concussion. If you suspect someone you care for has concussion, contact their doctor as soon as possible.

About concussion

Ongoing care after a fall

As well as the immediate injury from the fall, the person you care for may also experience physical, emotional, and psychological issues on an ongoing basis.

Physical impacts after a fall

Most falls don’t result in a serious injury. But when they do, older adults can take much longer to recover. Fractured bones and brain injuries can lead to hospitalisations, surgeries, and long rehabilitation processes, which prevent them from living their lives to the fullest.

Emotional impacts after a fall

For older adults who live alone, the prospect of falling isn’t just the possible injuries – it’s that they may not be able to get themselves back up. After a fall they may be trying for hours to get someone’s attention for help. It’s a traumatic experience and can lead to them withdrawing from everyday activities and social life out of fear of falling again.

Psychological impacts after a fall

One fall can trigger an ongoing fear of falling, as well as anxiety and depression. Think of it as a form of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Fear can take over, so it’s important to keep an eye on someone who has had a fall, note any changes in their state of mind, and talk to their doctor about getting them the right support.

Be aware of fall risk factors

There are many different things that can cause a fall. It may be hazards around the home, poor eyesight and hearing, a lack of good quality sleep, or medications making them feel drowsy or dizzy. But with the right knowledge and planning, it’s possible to reduce an older adult’s risk of falling and help them stay safer.

Risk factors

Prevent pressure injuries

Also known as bedsores or pressure sores, pressure injuries can develop quickly if someone stays in one position for too long. It often happens on bony areas such as the hips, heels, or elbows and usually when they are sitting or lying down. These can lead to infections, pain, and reduced mobility. It can be painful and difficult for the older adult and the people caring for them.

Helping to prevent pressure injuries

About pressure injuries

Exercise is key for strength and balance

Many falls happen because muscle mass deteriorates with age. One way to reduce the impact of this natural ageing is to keep fit and active. Regular exercise not only helps older adults build and maintain their strength and balance, it’s also good for their mental health. If an older adult has had a fall, encourage them to get back on their feet and active again as soon they can, if they can physically do it.

Exercise for older adults

Community Strength & Balance classes

General health and wellness

There are many other considerations when it comes to taking good care of older adults and helping them to take good care of themselves. Eating healthily, having a good support structure in place, as well as making sure their home environment is a safer place to live.

Eating healthy

Supporting older adults

More information about taking care of older adults

For more information on taking good care of older family and whānau, visit the following websites:

Age well

Health of older people

Seniorline information for older people