Health & Wellness

The Right Way to Help an Elderly Person After a Fall

Liciafuzz

14 Apr 2025 — 4 min read

Falls are one of the most common and dangerous accidents among older adults. Whether it happens at home, in the yard, or during a simple walk, the experience can be frightening for both the senior and the person trying to help. But acting quickly isn’t enough—knowing how to help an elderly person after a fall safely is crucial to avoid causing further injury.

In this article, we’ll walk you through senior fall recovery steps, what to check before helping them up, how to assist an older adult safely, and when it’s time to call for medical help. You'll also learn how tools like a sturdy metal folding stool can make the process easier and safer for everyone involved.

Why Helping Safely Matters

Your first instinct may be to immediately lift a senior off the floor, but doing so without the right technique can actually cause more harm—especially if they’ve suffered a hidden injury like a fracture or sprain. That’s why understanding the proper steps to help a senior up safely is critical for both their well-being and your peace of mind.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Help Elderly After a Fall

1. Stay Calm and Reassure Them

Begin by calming both yourself and the senior. Panic can lead to rushed decisions. Speak gently and offer reassurance. Ask them how they feel and if they can move certain body parts. This helps determine whether it's safe to proceed or if medical attention is needed immediately. Senior up safely is critical for both their well-being and your peace of mind

2. Assess for Injuries

Before moving them, check for:

Bleeding
Obvious bruising or swelling
Pain when touching arms, legs, hips, or back
Signs of confusion or dizziness

If the senior hit their head, has trouble speaking, or cannot move limbs, do not attempt to lift them. Call emergency services immediately.

3. Ask If They Can Move

Gently ask, “Can you move your arms and legs?” If they can and say they feel okay, you can move forward with helping them up. If they say no, or you sense pain, wait for professionals.

4. Assist Slowly and Safely Using a Support

If they’re able to move and are not injured, guide them through these senior fall recovery steps:

Help them roll onto their side.
Guide them into a crawling position.
Have them crawl toward a sturdy piece of furniture (like a couch or chair).
Let them place both hands on the seat.
While they use the seat for support, help lift one leg into a half-kneeling position.
Support their hips and shoulders as they slowly rise into a seated position.

Tip: Keeping a Ultra Comfort Metal folding stool nearby can serve as a helpful support when no couch or chair is close by. Its compact and durable design makes it perfect for assisting elderly individuals when accidents happen in hallways, outdoors, or bathrooms.

5. Let Them Rest and Observe for Changes

Once seated, let them rest. Offer water, check for signs of dizziness or pain, and avoid moving them further until they feel stable. Monitor them closely for the next 24 hours—especially if they live alone.

6. Know When to Call Emergency Services

Call for immediate help if the senior:

Hit their head
Has severe pain or cannot move
Is bleeding heavily
Has chest pain or shortness of breath
Seems confused or disoriented

Fall Prevention Tips for Seniors

Preventing future falls is just as important as responding to them. Here are some practical ways to keep your loved one safe:

Remove clutter and loose rugs
Install grab bars in bathrooms
Improve home lighting
Encourage daily balance exercises
Provide mobility aids as needed
Keep a folding stool in easy-to-reach areas for quick rest breaks

Conclusion

Knowing how to help an elderly person after a fall isn’t just a skill—it’s an act of love and care. By staying calm, checking for injuries, and using the proper techniques to assist an older adult safely, you reduce the chance of further harm and promote recovery.

Always follow up with a healthcare provider after a fall—even if it seems minor. And take steps today to fall-proof your loved one’s environment, so they can live more independently and confidently.

Helpful Tool You Can Trust:

Tired of flimsy plastic stools that crack or collapse? The Ultra Comfort Metal Folding Stool is built for maximum support, stability, and comfort. Whether you need quick seating at home, on the go, or for your elderly loved ones, this durable folding stool for seniors is the perfect solution.