Collaborative post
In younger people, falling over is most often a prelude to embarrassment. For older people with more fragile bodies and more brittle bones, an accident of this kind is cause for serious concern.
It’s important to be cautious, and to intervene in a way that’s likely to be effective. But what does this mean?
Immediate response and safety first
Your first priority after any accident of this kind, before you even check for injuries, is to ensure that the scene is safe and that no further accidents are likely. In many cases, this can be done instantly. In others, it’s worth pausing.
When you’re checking, it’s a good idea to keep them still until you’re sure they’re able to move around without aggravating an injury. If your relative cannot get up, or if you think they’ve injured their head, back, neck, or hip, then it’s time to call an ambulance.
Getting medical attention and follow-up care
Even if you haven’t summoned an ambulance, it’s worth monitoring your relative to ensure that they haven’t suffered a lasting injury. If they’re still hurting the following day, then a visit to the GP, or a pharmacist, might be warranted.
In some cases, recovering from a fall means taking a long course of drugs, or of rehabilitative physiotherapy. You can play a key role in helping them to stay on top of these things consistently – and in adapting the home to help them in the future.
Emotional impact and recovery mindset
Falling in public is often better than falling at home, since you can be reasonably sure of being assisted quickly. However, it can also shake confidence, especially if your relative has fallen for the first time.
It’s worth getting on top of this quickly. While you might suppose that a little bit of caution would be healthy, research indicates that the fear of another fall can actually increase the risk of it occurring by as much as 60%.
There’s another implication of a fall being public. It raises the question of liability. If the fall was caused, in whole or in part, by the environment, then the involvement of a personal injury lawyer might be warranted.
Preventing future falls in public spaces
There are a number of measures you might implement to reduce the likelihood of a fall in the future. In some cases, the use of a walking stick, or a Zimmer frame, might be the best way forward. At a minimum, basic awareness of the surface underfoot, investment in the right shoes, and the proactive development of balance, through things like yoga and Pilates, can make a big difference.
Coordinating support services and practical adjustments
After the fall, you might need to coordinate with physiotherapists, carers, and community services. You might install handrails around the home, especially in high-risk areas like staircases and bathrooms. Try to do this without compromising their sense of independence, and make sure that you do it with their consent, wherever possible.