Falls are the leading cause of injury among older adults, and experiencing one fall can increase the risk of another. While preventing falls is important, knowing how to respond after a fall can help you stay safe and confident.
If you fall, try to remain calm. Take a few deep breaths and assess how you feel before moving. If you have severe pain, bleeding, visible swelling or deformity, or think you may have hit your head, stay where you are and call for help.
If you believe you’re uninjured and can get up safely, roll onto your side, then move onto your hands and knees. Crawl to a sturdy piece of furniture, such as a chair or couch. Place your hands on the furniture, bring one foot flat to the floor and slowly push yourself up.
Once standing, sit down and rest for several minutes before moving again.
Technology can also provide peace of mind. Keeping a charged phone nearby, enabling voice-activated calling or using a medical alert device or smartwatch with fall detection can help you quickly reach emergency assistance when needed.
Even if you feel fine after a fall, it’s a good idea to contact your healthcare provider. Some injuries, including head injuries, fractures or internal bruising, may not be obvious right away.
Warning signs such as dizziness, confusion, vision changes, new pain or difficulty moving should be evaluated promptly.
A fall can also signal an underlying issue, such as medication side effects, balance problems or vision changes. Talking with your doctor can help identify the cause and reduce your risk of future falls.
Falls can happen to anyone, but being prepared can make all the difference. Knowing how to respond and when to seek help can support both your safety and independence.
ArchWell Health is part of the Metro Philadelphia Community Connect sponsored content program.
