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What Happens if I Have a Fall? A Step-by-Step Guide to Care and Recovery

What Happens if I Have a Fall? A Step-by-Step Guide to Care and Recovery

Audio File - What Happens if I Have a Fall? A Step-by-Step Guide to Care and Recovery

What Happens if I Have a Fall? A Step-by-Step Guide to Care and Recovery

Did you know? One in four older adults experiences a fall each year. It can be a scary situation but knowing what to do makes all the difference.

In this blog, we’ll guide you through what happens if you fall, how to recover and how Living at Home ensures you’re supported every step of the way.

Falls can be concerning, especially for older adults, but it’s important to know that you’re not alone.

In today’s blog, we’ll answer the question: What happens if I have a fall?

Together, we’ll walk through the process of care, recovery and prevention, so you can feel confident and safe at home. 

Let’s get started.

Did you know? In the UK, the fear of falling often leads to reduced independence and isolation for many older adults , affecting their overall quality of life.

Immediate Response to a Fall

Falls can happen to anyone, but the immediate response is crucial.

Here’s what you need to do:

Stay Calm: If someone has a fall, the most important thing is to stay calm and assess the situation.

Check for Injuries: Look for any signs of serious injuries, such as broken bones or head trauma. If these are present, call emergency services right away.

Helping Someone Up Safely: If there are no obvious injuries, assist the person gently. Make sure they’re comfortable and check for dizziness or pain before helping them stand.

Did you know? Falls are one of the most common reasons for emergency hospital admissions among older adults in the UK.

How Living at Home Responds to a Fall

At Living at Home, we know that falls require careful and compassionate handling. 

Here’s how we respond:

Immediate Assessment: Our care professionals are trained to evaluate the situation, ensuring the individual is safe and comfortable.

Emergency Support: If needed, we contact emergency services to provide immediate care.

Family Communication: We notify family members or next of kin promptly, keeping everyone informed about the situation and next steps.

Did you know? Around one in three adults over 65 and half of those over 80 experience a fall in the UK each year.

Recovery and Preventing Future Falls

Once the immediate response is handled, our focus shifts to recovery and prevention.

Personalised Recovery Plan: We work with healthcare professionals to create a plan tailored to the person’s needs, including rest, medication or further medical care.

Home Safety Assessment: Falls often highlight areas for improvement in the home. We’ll help identify hazards like loose rugs, poor lighting or the need for grab rails.

Ongoing Monitoring: To prevent future falls, we monitor the individual’s health and mobility, making adjustments to their care plan as needed.

Fall Prevention Strategies: We encourage mobility exercises, proper nutrition and medical check-ups to address any underlying causes of falls.

Did you know? Many falls can be prevented with simple changes, such as installing grab rails, improving lighting and participating in strength and balance exercises recommended by the NHS.

Ambulance Wait Times for a Fall in Wales

In Swansea, ambulance response times for falls among older adults can vary significantly, with some individuals experiencing extended waits.

For instance, there have been reports of patients waiting up to 28 hours in an ambulance outside Morriston Hospital due to handover delays.

These delays are often exacerbated by high demand and challenges in transferring patients to hospital care.

To address these issues, initiatives like the Falls and Frailty Framework and partnerships with organisations such as St John Ambulance Cymru are being implemented to improve response times and patient care.

Real-Life Client Story

Mary, one of our valued clients, experienced a fall at home.

Mary faced challenges with her recovery and daily routines.

We stepped in to provide personalised support, working closely with her doctor to create a tailored care plan and implementing key safety improvements to her living space.

Thanks to these efforts, Mary regained her confidence and independence. 

Today, she feels safer in her home, enjoys her favourite daily activities and is proud to share that she hasn’t had a fall in a very long time.

Stories like Mary’s remind us why compassionate, proactive care makes all the difference.

Did you know? Falls cost the NHS approximately £2.3 billion every year, highlighting the importance of fall prevention measures.

At Living at Home, we’re here to help you or your loved one feel safe and supported.

If you’re concerned about falls or want to make your home safer, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. You can also check out our comprehensive guide to preparing for care services for additional insights and tips.

Let’s work together to ensure your safety and well-being.

Remember, at Living at Home, your care and comfort are our top priorities.

If you have any questions or need support, please contact us.