Get up from a fall

Getting up from a fall

Unfortunately, even if you are doing all that you can to reduce your risk of falling, you may still have a fall. Knowing what to do if you have a fall can help you feel more confident. If you do have a fall, lie still for a minute, try to stay calm and check yourself for injuries. If you know you can’t get up, or feel pain in your hip or back, then try to call for help by using your phone or personal alarm or by banging on walls. Try to keep warm by covering yourself with whatever is close by and try to keep moving your limbs and roll from side to side if you are able to or not experiencing pain. The following technique for getting up after a fall is worth knowing. You might even like to practice this technique so that if you ever need to get up from the floor, you will feel more confident. Make sure you have someone with you when you practice, just in case you need more help than you expected.

1. Roll onto your side, and then push up onto your elbows.

2. Use your arms to push yourself onto your hands and knees.

3. Crawl towards a very stable piece of furniture (a sturdy chair or bed) and hold onto it for support.

4. Slide or raise the foot of your stronger leg forwards so it’s flat on the floor.

5. Lean forwards and push up using your arms and front leg, slowly rising to a standing position.

6. Turn around and sit down.

Sit for a minute or two and catch your breath.

For further information please call your Care Facilitator or 1300 275 227

Please remember, if you do have a fall, even if you are unhurt, make sure that you tell a healthcare professional, family member or carer that you have fallen. BaptistCare at home can assist you with accessing any of the services, activities and items of assistive equipment mentioned above. BaptistCare’s Home Care Package clients can use their Government funding to purchase a wide range of services and supports to ensure that you are able to stay safe and well at home.