How to Get up From the Floor After a Fall

Current estimates suggest that every year one out of three people over the age of 65 will fall. As changes to the body, eyes and ears happen with age, the risk for taking a fall increases. Many times, as we get older, we have a tendency to be less active. This leads to de-conditioning of the muscles and a loss of flexibility, both of which can also increase the risk of a fall. Unfortunately, when people fall, they tend to panic. They may not have been on the floor for years or even decades, and they lose the ability to be able to get themselves back up. Many times people try to get up in away that makes it harder and can become stuck on the floor until help arrives. Below are some simple steps to get up after a fall.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• A sturdy chair

1. If you have fallen in the middle of the floor crawl or scoot yourself over to something sturdy. The safest and easiest way to get up is to hold onto something for balance.
2. Get yourself onto all fours–hands and knees. Then bring one foot forward–whichever feels stronger to you. You should be stepping on one foot and the other knee is on the floor in a half-kneeling position. Have your hands on some kind of support for balance.
3. From here use your arms and your foot to push yourself up to a lunge position. While still holding on bring both feet together and stand up straight.
4. Practice getting up and down from the floor at least once per week. Don't wait until you fall to try to figure out how to get up. If you stay in practice, you will be surprised at how easily you can get yourself up when needed. If your balance is unsteady, have someone nearby when you first attempt this.

Tips & Warnings

• If you experience difficulty getting up from the floor look into attending physical therapy sessions. A therapists can work one on one with you to help you prevent falls and to get up after a fall.