What to Do After a Fall: Getting Up Safely and Lift-Assist Devices

First: decide whether it is safe to move them

Most injuries from falls are made worse by a rushed, unplanned lift — and the caregiver throwing out their own back is the second most common injury in these moments. Take a breath and assess first.

• Ask where it hurts and watch their face when they try to move.
• Check for bleeding, swelling, a joint that looks wrong, or a leg that appears shorter or turned outward — a classic hip-fracture sign.
• If they hit their head and take a blood thinner such as warfarin or apixaban, treat it as urgent even without symptoms; bleeding inside the skull can be delayed.
• If they are confused, vomiting, unusually sleepy, or cannot bear weight, call 911.

The staged method: helping someone up who is not hurt

Physical therapists teach this sequence because it lets the fallen person do most of the work with their strongest muscles:

1. Bring a sturdy, armless chair (not one with wheels) close to them.
2. Have them roll onto their side, then push up to hands and knees.
3. They crawl or knee-walk to the chair and place both hands on the seat.
4. They bring one foot forward into a half-kneel, then push up through their legs to stand and turn to sit.
5. Your job is stabilizing the chair and steadying — not lifting.

Lift-assist devices for people who fall often

If falls happen more than once, a lift-assist device at home is often cheaper than one ambulance ride — and far less frightening than spending hours on the floor waiting for help.

After they are up

• Have them sit and rest; check again in 15–30 minutes for delayed pain or dizziness.
• Write down when and where the fall happened and what they were doing — patterns matter.
• Tell their doctor. A fall is a symptom: medication side effects, blood-pressure drops, vision changes, and strength loss are all treatable causes.
• Walk the fall location and fix the cause — loose rug, poor lighting, a missing grab bar, a pet gate.

Frequently asked questions

Should I call 911 every time someone falls?

Call 911 if there is any sign of injury, head impact with blood thinners, confusion, or they cannot bear weight. For a clearly uninjured person who simply cannot get up, many communities offer non-emergency lift assistance through the fire department — save the non-emergency number in your phone.

How long is too long on the floor?

Lying on the floor for more than an hour (a 'long lie') raises the risk of dehydration, pressure sores, and complications — especially for someone who fell alone. This is why medical alert buttons and check-in routines matter for people living alone.

Does Medicare cover lift-assist devices?

Powered patient lifts can be covered as durable medical equipment with a doctor's order, though coverage rules and suppliers vary. Inflatable lifting cushions are usually not covered. Check with Medicare or the person's plan before buying.

What if the person refuses help or gets embarrassed?

Stay matter-of-fact and keep them warm and comfortable while you work through the staged steps. Embarrassment makes people rush and re-fall. Frame it as a skill to practice — some families rehearse the technique before it is needed.