Managing Falls
A fall is defined as a unintentional move from a higher to a lower level, typically rapidly and without control.
A fall can lead to a loss of confidence if it is not managed well and for positive wellbeing it is vital that the person who falls is encouraged to return to everyday activities that they do as individuals, in their families and within their communities as soon as they can.
Being able to review and recommend ways, which enable a person to get up from a fall in a timely manner are essential; this can be achieved in various ways;
- If someone has a propensity to fall, teach techniques to get up off the floor using the furniture around them, the support of a family member or health professional after it is determined there are no significant injuries
- A carer or family member using equipment to lift assist someone from the floor.
- Calling the emergency services.
The latter is for occasions where there is an obvious injury or condition that requires medical intervention. The most important thing is to support the person to get up and to start doing things they want or need to do.
A person who falls regularly will begin to impact the health of their carer, however equipment can provide an easy and cost-effective alternative.
