When an older person falls, knowing how to pick them up safely can go a long way. Falls can be unexpected, and if you’re not prepared, the situation can quickly become dangerous for both you and the person you’re helping.

This article will provide you with practical, step-by-step instructions on how to safely pick an older person up from the floor using equipment, so you can handle the situation with confidence and reduce the risk of injury.

What Equipment Can Be Used to Help an Elderly Person Who Has Fallen?

When helping an elderly person who has fallen, having the right equipment can improve safety and make the lifting process easier. Here are the different types of equipment that can help lift an elderly person:

1. Powered Lift Chairs: Powered lift chairs, like the VOCIC AX08, are the best tools to help you safely lift an elderly person off the ground with minimal effort. They use electricity to gradually raise a person to a sitting or standing position, and they are ideal if mobility is limited. Powered lift chairs also reduce the risk of injury to you and the person you are assisting.

2. Transfer Belts (Gait Belts): Transfer belts provide a safe way for you to help an elderly person stand or move by firmly grasping their waist. Transfer belts help you stabilize the elderly person and reduce the strain on their back, especially if they are still able to participate in the lifting process.

3. Portable Floor Lifts (Manual or Hydraulic): Portable floor lifts can help you lift a person off the ground using a sling or seat. Portable floor lifts are ideal for situations where an individual cannot support their own weight, allowing you to safely transfer them to a bed, chair, or wheelchair. Keep in mind that they may require more setup.

4. Sliding Sheets and Transfer Boards: Sliding Sheets and Transfer Boards make it easier to reposition and move an elderly person without having to lift them directly. The low-friction surface of the sliding sheet allows you to easily move the person horizontally, while the transfer board allows for a smooth transition between different surfaces, such as from a bed to a wheelchair.

5. Mobility Scooters or Recliners with Lift Capabilities: Some mobility scooters and recliners come with lift-assist devices that can tilt the seat or raise the chair to help the person stand up. These devices are particularly helpful if the individual can sit up on their own but needs a little extra support to stand up.

How to Use an Electric Lift Chair to Lift an Elderly Person Up from the Ground?

Check for Injuries First

Before using a lift chair, make sure the person is not injured and can be moved safely. Ask if they feel any pain, especially in sensitive areas like the head, neck, or back, and look for obvious signs of injury. If you notice something worrying, seek medical help rather than trying to lift it yourself.

Place a Power Lift Chair Next to the Person

Move the electric chair lift near the person, making sure it is on a stable surface and ready for use. If the chair has wheels, lock them to prevent any movement during the lift and keep the chair stable.

Help the Person Sit

Gently roll the person onto their side and guide them to sit. Make sure they feel stable and are not dizzy or disoriented before continuing. If you need extra support, consider using a transfer strap to help them balance.

Move the Lift Chair Behind the Person

Slide the electric chair lift behind the person so they can rest comfortably against the chair. If the chair has a recline feature, adjust it to a lower or sitting position to make it easier to get on. Keep them centered and seated before activating the lift feature.

Initiate Lift

Use the chair's controls to gradually raise the person to a more upright sitting or standing position, maintaining a slow and steady lift. Give them time to adjust, and if needed, hold them with one hand to provide extra stability during the lift.

Assist with Standing (If Needed)

If they want to stand up, offer your hand or a walker to help them stand. Make sure they feel stable and balanced before letting go. If they are not ready to stand, adjust the chair to a comfortable sitting position where they can rest.

Ensure Safety After Lift

Once they are safely lifted, check if they feel any discomfort or dizziness. Encourage them to sit and rest for a while before moving around to make sure they are stable and safe.

When Should You Seek Professional Help After a Fall?

If a senior shows any signs of serious injury after a fall, such as severe pain, difficulty moving, swelling, or bruising, especially to the head, neck, back, or hips, they should seek professional help. If a senior loses consciousness, becomes confused, or subsequently feels dizzy or weak, they must seek medical attention. These symptoms may indicate a more serious condition that requires immediate evaluation.

Even if there are no obvious symptoms, it is still wise to consult a doctor because some injuries or complications, such as internal bleeding or broken bones, may not be immediately apparent. Additionally, if falls are frequent, it may indicate an underlying health problem that requires a thorough medical evaluation to prevent future accidents.

How to Prevent Falls in the Elderly at Home?

To prevent falls in older adults at home, you can make some environmental adjustments, promote physical fitness, and take proactive safety measures:

• Prepare Your Home for Falls: Start by removing tripping hazards like loose rugs, clutter, or electrical cords. Install grab bars in bathrooms, place non-slip mats in tubs, and make sure your home is well-lit, including stairways and entryways, to improve visibility.

• Use Assistive Devices: Equip your space with mobility aids like walkers, canes, or handrails, and consider using a power lift chair for extra support. Equipment like shower chairs or raised toilet seats can also make bathrooms safer.

• Encourage Regular Exercise: Help older adults stay active and improve strength and balance through exercise, such as walking, gentle yoga, or tai chi. Talk to a physical therapist if you need exercise recommendations tailored to their specific needs.

• Check Medications: Have your doctor regularly check their medications for side effects like dizziness or drowsiness, which can increase the risk of falls. Adjustments may need to be made to reduce these risks.

• Promote Proper Footwear: Make sure they wear well-fitting, non-slip, supportive shoes and avoid loose slippers or shoes with smooth soles. Non-slip socks are a good choice for indoors.

• Schedule Vision and Hearing Exams: Regular vision and hearing exams can reveal if seniors have any impairments that could affect balance or increase the risk of falls.

Conclusion

When lifting an elderly person off the ground, you need to check them for injuries and stay calm. Then use proper techniques to lift the elderly person safely, such as bending the knees and lifting with the legs, or relying on equipment such as a lift chair, transfer belt, or floor lift for additional support. Also, if you notice signs of serious injury, seek professional medical help immediately.

To prevent falls, you can equip your home with a variety of mobility aids, and VOCIC offers a variety of options to help. If you face age-related challenges, these tools can help. For example, you can consider using a walker for seniors, bath chair lifts, and floor lifts to enhance your safety. In addition, electric scooters and wheelchairs can also increase your independence. For more information, visit the VOCIC official website.

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