Think of all the young toddlers you know. Why is it that they seem to pop right up every time they fall? The next question is why does it seem to get more and more difficult as we get older?
The good news is that techniques have been developed that help us, as older adults, get up off the floor if we have fallen and haven’t hurt ourselves. Knowing how to position our arms and legs before we even try to roll over and get into a sitting or crawling position can make a big difference.
The Remembering When program has prepared two videos; the first one shows some techniques that might make it easier to get up from a fall; the second one demonstrates how to talk someone through the process and assist them up if they have fallen.
· Helping someone up from a fall:
The techniques shown in the video are important to understand and practice long before you need them. Take the time to go through them thoroughly and practice them regularly so when you need them, you remember what to do and have maintained the abilities/strength you need to be successful.
Steps to follow (Public Health Agency of Canada)
1) Lie on your side; bend the leg that is on top and lift yourself onto your elbows or hands.
2) Pull yourself toward an armchair or other sturdy object, then kneel while placing both hands on the chair or object.
3) Place your stronger leg in front, holding on to the chair or object.
4) Stand up.
5) Very carefully, turn and sit down.
If you would like more information about the videos or would like to book a Remembering When presentation focussing on fire safety and fall prevention, please contact Dori Krahn at 206-975-7715 or dori.krahn@saskatoon.ca
The Remembering When program is a partnership between SCOA and the Saskatoon Fire Department.
