Emergency Response: What to Do If an Elderly Person Falls

If you witness or discover that an elderly person has fallen, your response can significantly affect their outcome. This guide covers the steps caregivers and family members should take.

Step 1: Stay Calm and Assess

Your calmness directly affects the fallen person's anxiety level. Speak in a steady, reassuring voice. Say: "I am here. I am going to help you. Let's take a moment to check how you are feeling."

Step 2: Check for Injuries Before Moving

Ask the person:

• "Where does it hurt?"
• "Can you move your fingers and toes?"
• "Can you move your arms and legs?"
• "Do you feel any numbness or tingling?"
• "Did you hit your head?"

Step 3: Decide Whether to Call 911

Call 911 Immediately If

• Suspected hip fracture or other fracture
• Head injury or loss of consciousness
• Severe bleeding
• Unable to get up
• Chest pain or difficulty breathing
• Sudden weakness on one side of the body
• The person is confused or disoriented

Do Not Call 911 If

• The person is uninjured and can get up with assistance
• There is no pain or visible injury
• The person can move all limbs normally
• You can safely help them up

Step 4: Help the Person Up (If Safe)

If there are no signs of serious injury:

1. Bring a sturdy chair close to the person
2. Help them roll to their side
3. Help them get on hands and knees
4. Support them as they crawl to the chair
5. Help them push up to sitting
6. Let them rest before standing

Step 5: Post-Fall Care

After the fall:

• Monitor the person for 24 hours for delayed symptoms
• Encourage them to see their healthcare provider
• Document the fall (time, location, cause, injuries)
• Address the cause to prevent future falls
• Provide emotional support—falls can be frightening

Why Seniors May Not Tell You About Falls

Many seniors hide falls due to embarrassment, fear of losing independence, or concern about burdening family. Create an environment where the person feels safe reporting falls without judgment.

Takeaway

As a caregiver, your response to a fall can prevent further injury and provide critical emotional support. Stay calm, assess carefully, call 911 when needed, and always follow up after any fall.