LIFT FROM THE FLOOR

A caregiver may find times when an older person has slipped to the floor without the fall being serious. The older person may not be hurt, but may simply have trouble getting up. If the older person is very frail, and you do not feel you can lift the person alone using the transfer techniques, call someone to assist you. While you are waiting for someone to assist you, make the person more comfortable by putting pillows around him or her for brace and support.

However, if the older person has some strength and can help get up with assistance, the following technique is useful:

Have the person lie on his or her side. (The instructions which follow are given for the person laying on the left side. However, if the person's strongest side is the left side, have the person lie on the right side and adapt instructions accordingly.)

Put the person's left arm under the side of the head with the arm stretching straight upward. Have the person bend the knees.

Place the person's right hand on the floor in front and a few inches away from the chest.

Have the person use the hip and back muscles and begin to place weight on the right arm. The person should begin to lift by dragging the left arm, head, and torso up to a sitting position.

Have the person place both hands on the floor on the left side.

Let the person place the right foot flat on the floor in front of the left ankle while shifting until the person feels comfortable.

Now, twist and lift using the hip muscles with the person turning slightly to the left and resting on the left knee and right foot.

Have the person keep hands on the floor while bending the toes of the right foot under to grip the floor.

Using the hip and leg muscles, have the person push up to lift the buttocks up first. The toes of the left foot should be turned under to grip the floor as the person begins to lift up.

If the person needs assistance, stand behind them. Place your arms around the person's chest, and pull up while the person is pushing up with arms and legs.