I watched this video a few months ago to be better prepared if I fell again. 3 days ago, I fell outside at the bottom of my yard but had my phone handy and called my son to help. I'm overweight, and like @judysowers547, I couldn't move anywhere close by to get up easily. My son suggested the car ramps from the garage, and they worked perfectly to ease myself gradually up to the height I could stand. I've also made sure that each room inside has books to stack and cushions I can reach to scoot and build a tower if I'm alone.
@@superstarcat7654 hi! I hear ya. I had to rock side to side slowly and inch backwards up the ramp. That worked. It took a while, so I had to be patient. I've tried thin books inside the house and also a chair back with the chair turned upside down. It only takes the ability to rock gently and move an inch at a time. Are you able to do that? There's videos on YT about it. Let me know if you can't find them. 🤗
I think I first saw this video back when you first posted it and I'm so happy to find it again. I've had a number of falls over the years, and one of them resulted in me lying on the floor for over an hour. It's a scary feeling, not being able to get up. So I'm saving your video to a playlist so that I can watch it again multiple times, to fix the ideas in my head.
I spent 5 days on the floor of my house after I broke my hip and spine when I fell.I was rescued by neighbours who had been on holiday,I doubt if I would have survived if they had come even a day later.I am forever grateful to them, for saving my life.
I am elderly, over weight, and disabled with knee replacements, pinched sciatic nerve and bad hips. I fell yesterday, and hip scooted to the bed, grabbed a pillow, twisted around and put my bad knee on the pillow, dragged my right foot( with fused big toe and ankle) into place with my right hand) then pushed with arms and leg to get off the floor. Hell yes it hurt, but I persevered. My dignity and independence is very important to me. I say thank you to the young lady for taking time to help us old folks, no matter what shoes she had on. If you don’t try, you die!
I was a bit disappointed in some of the comments to this video. Yes, the young lady doing the demonstrations is very fit and capable, however, the important part of the video for me was the mindset she was advocating. Think like MacGyver! It is amazing what you can do if you are creative. I am in my 80s and have fallen several times, but only once was I unable to get up without help (because of the twisting of my body in the fall). Usually there is something in your environment that can be used in a creative way. It's not always easy, but knowledge is power and it's amazing what you can do if you get creative and are not seriously hurt. Thanks for the advice and encouragement.
These were great! As an RN I have taken care of elderly hospitalized after falls, not from the fall, but from staying down. Learning to keep your wits and use what you do have is so important! I knew one lady who fell outside and scooted on her bottom and pulled herself up using a small tree. We all need to encourage elderly to use what they DO have and not give up. Outstanding video IMO 😊
I shared this with my 94 year old mother about 2 months ago. I had just had a total knee replacement. During week 3 of recovery from the surgery, I fell in the yard. Ideas from this video helped get me to my feet. Then this morning, my mother found herself on the floor looking for something. After realizing the predicament she was in, the ideas, thanks to this video, clicked in and she was able to get up. Said she was worn out be UP and glad she had seen the video. My mother said that the video had given her the ideas ad the confidence. I got to thinking about my recent fall and how confident I had been that I would find a way, also. Thank you so much for taking the time to make this video. The information is invaluable.❤
Not for nothing, but she did say these are not for everybody and their conditions, but to the best of her ability she was trying to help those who have some strength and mobility in different parts of their body to find an easy way to get up. And I give her credit for that😊
My mum recently used your (practised and discussed) technique to get up after fall in the garden. Crawled over soft grass to the chair at the back door. Took her time. Got up. Yes, had no phone or her safety beeper on her. So proud of her.
So today I found myself on my back in the bathroom. Luckily I remembered your video, turned on my side , pulled over a bath mat, and grabbed hold of the tub. I got up without sliding and instantly thought of you! Thank you 😊
I am a Primary Care physician with 20+ years experience. My father is 80 with limited mobility. I’m going to go see him Tomorrow to find some practical applications of theses methods for him. Thank You! There are aspects of these useful for ANYONE regardless of age or ability.
My mother is 85 years old and with less than ideal mobility, thank you so much for these tips. My sister and I will immediately start practicing these techniques with our mom to have her ready in case of an emergency. God bless!
I agree this may help a person with no pains in their knees or legs. I sure would like to see a person who has extreme pain in there knees like many of us, try to get up from any of these falls. With what you have shown to us. Of course you csn do it because you have no pain.
How about trying to get up with two bad knees and a broken hand (from the fall), with a head injury making me lose consciousness on and off too. Thank goodness for the Police and Ambos. I was a wet cold night too and I think their early intervention saved my life that night.
When my mother fell and my sister couldn’t get her up, she remembered the aero bed we had. She laid it on the floor, rolled my mother on to it and inflated the bed. My mom then sat up, swung her legs over and stood up. I thought that was genius!
Thank you so much , it just helped my partner who has severe mobility issues after he fell on the floor. You just saved us ringing a ambulance thank you from the bottom of my heart ❤️ xx
Everyone over 55 should see this. I had occasion to use the book tower to get myself off the floor onto my stairs. Thank you for taking the time to make this video, It's worth it's weight in gold.
I hope everyone watches this video…its been months since I watched. I fell this week & I didn’t wait to try to get up. I remembered this video, and I managed to get up. I used what I had and before the pain set in I was up! Bleeding & feeling some pain, but I was able to get to the phone. I now take the phone with me everywhere, even the bathroom!
Having a recent fall, totally embarrassing, outside on my lawn, but landed in gravel. I could not get up no matter what I tried. Having two hip replacements & badly needing a torn ACL or total knee replacement, I was helpless trying to get up despite getting to my knees. I could not get any purchase on the side of my house, so crawled back on all fours to a chain link fence thru gravel & with all my strength pulled myself up. All I could think of was , ‘ I hope my neighbours didn’t see me!’ Man, it sure is challenging getting older!
Thankfully it seems you are ok. I'm sure it was a challenge, mentally and emotionally and physically. Yes getting older is kind of no fun, in a lot of ways.
I'm 71 years young and am recovering from a fall with concussion. Five months later I fell in the garage. My left leg was paralyzed. I had to forward frog walk until I could get back inside. Still slowly recovering but tried all the techniques and was finally able to get inside and get help. Thanks so much for repeating this older training module.
Well done young lady! I read some of the negative reviews. But I applaud your efforts! I'm 74. I know many my age could not do some, or maybe even none of the techniques you showed us here. And for those, sadly, this video might not be of any help. THAT BEING SAID . . . I'm 74. In good health. Physdically strong. And knowing how many elderly people fall each year, I thank you for the gift you gave to all who could use your tips and tricks. ALSO . . . to those who LIVE WITH someone who cannot do these techniquest by themselves . . . if you find yourself needing to help up someone who fell, helping them do the techniques, and providing some support along with their efforts to do the technique will make it easier for YOU to help them up. Thank you for your gift, Rhonda. Wayne (Reed) Knazek
I struggled for 2 hours to get up off the floor, until i decided to put my nearby shoes on. I was getting no purchase on the carpet, until I did this. It absolutely helped!
Being very over weight and in my mid 70's I find this video very helpful. What I do when I am on the floor is remove sofa cushions, get my butt up on a cushion lay back onto the couch where the cushions were, swing my legs onto couch and stand up. After watching your video I realize I could go to my front door which has an immediate step down to the porch. Sitting in doorway with my feet down on porch and door frame to hang onto I should be able to get up. Thanks so much for this video.
MY SMARTASS KID TOLD ME I SHOULD SRAY ON THE FOOR UNTIL MY OBESITY WASN'T MORBID ANYMORE. ORMAYBE IT WAS UNTIL I WAS MORBID. DAMN. DO YOU THINK HE WANTS MY HOUSE?
This is so nice of you, to take the time out of you life, to teach us Seniors, the problems we can run into, after falling! Thank you so much! You are such a CHAMP!
I recently broke my dominant arm in a fall while outside on my deck. I knew there would be a good chance that I would not get help for some time since I live by myself. I decided to use the adrenaline in my body to get myself up. I am 70 years old and have had two knee replacements. I truly "rigged" my escape using the deck furniture. I must say it was very painful to get up but I was determined. I had surgery two weeks later and had 14 screws placed in the plate. I'm still having OT and I am recovering nicely. The wakeup call for me was this. I need to increase my endurance, balance and strength significantly. I bought a watch where I can summon help, if needed. It is time to be accountable.
Great video. I’ve fallen several times and had a very hard time figuring how to get up. I’m 74 and have poor balance. Live alone, too. I think for me, not panic and try these different technics to get up.
This video was excellent but not for everyone that falls...too many with bad knees, no upper body strength, surgeries etc. appreciate the tips she has shown us and it may come in handy to help someone else...I too am overweight and without help none of them would have worked for me...thankful for a strong son in law and grandson right next door but then you'd better have your phone on your person....
See my comment, this will work well for you. I and my mom are both pretty weak people.( she is 5'4" around 200lbs. I am a buck 80), she has bad knees and hip replacements. (Falling is always contingent with after effects that do not go away.)- my mom has a cheap beeper that she call me with, which could be worn like a necklace.
I don't have a right arm due to a stroke. One time I fell off the toilet. I had to walk on my back to get to my bed where l was able to get on my bed with left leg and arm. It took awhile, maybe about an hour. But no injuries. Thank God!
Great video. As an Orthopedic surgeon, I think after age 70, one should monitor not only bone density but also be referred to PT to practice balance work and these important techniques. I would always ask my older patients, "Can you get up on your feet from flat on the floor?" Practice every two months. Stay active, even if just a daily walk.
This is the second time I've watched this video. Thanks to you, I was able to get up from one of my three falls by myself. Being overweight and under-strong, I needed help to get up from the tumble I took outside (nothing to hang onto). The third time I was indoors, but needed help again. I'm re-watching this video to refresh my memory and add some tools to my toolkit. Thank you again.
Thanks for the tips. I have Had to call 911 twice after falls. I have a bad knee and couldn't get myself up. I fell two weeks ago but was able to pull myself on to the sofa. I was so proud of myself. I guess my knee is healing.
Thank you for sharing this knowledge!! I’m paralyzed from the chest down and many of the movements you use are similar to what I’ve learned over the years to do to get up off the ground. Bless you for helping others. 💕
Fantastic advice. Thanks! Being older, there are many of these I could not do. So I focused on "Okay, what CAN I do?" The turning over furniture to make handrails is brilliant. I made a plan using two sturdy wooden barstools and taking off my couch cushions to use and back up to the couch "in steps" (with other pillows if needed). Hopefully I won't need it but it feels good to know that in case of a fall I know exactly what to do. Could also use towels, folded up throw rugs, pillows, or even clothes out of the closet to make that tower or "steps" to keep lifting yourself higher. (Ignore the critics... lol you aren't magic and can't possibly fix everyone's health problems but for a LOT of us these tips could be lifesavers.)
I was trapped Sunday on the floor in a tight hall way , i got half way up fell down, i have mobility problems and i can walk 25 feet, but i needed to check the dryer for a leak and could not get back up , so i but scooted thru the hall on my but,i got on my side and was able to craw thru the kicthen into the bed room and i was tired, i rested for a while on the floor, then i could not push myself up, so i got on my knees and flopped my body on the bed and wiggled myself upon the bed and i was able to get back up, Thank God he knew what to do and told me , i saw one of your videos a long time ago But GOD told me what to do Thank you Lord.......
Bravo Rhonda! I've been personal training for over 18 years and I love it when people like yourself take the time to put such helpful ideas out there for people to use. The biggest concern with most of my clients is getting up after a fall and balance. These are great suggestions and I commend you for sharing your knowledge. Well done!
I really enjoyed this video. Many times after a fall, one is rather shaken up and the tendency is to just lie there, getting colder and scared by the minute. These tips should be a great help to first aid strategy. Even if you are not alone, the other person can certainly help by instructing you in these methods and supporting you as you get up. Regarding those commenting on here about the difficulty in trying to get up because of overweight, fused knees or backs, perhaps you could have a word with your doctor or physiotherapist about the best methods for you in the event of a fall and try practicing them at home. I would strongly suggest getting one of those panic buttons to wear at home for those of you who know they would be totally incapacitated in the event of a fall, with or without injury.
This video saved me after 3 falls !!! I was alone in the garage twice. Once I fell on the side of the road (picking wild flowers). I finally figured out how to quit falling but only because I lived through the first 3 falls! Thank you!!!
I’m in a telephone circle. Each day at 8.30 pm I’m get a phone call. After this call I call the next one in the circle, and that one calls the next. And so on until the circle is closed. So I wouldn’t lay on the ground for longer than a day. But the tips are great.
At 77 I fell in front garden on gravel, no one passes here, and I can’t kneel, could not haul myself up against locked car or front door (luckily open) so I had to shuffle on my bum using elbows for leverage into house and through to living room where I pulled cushion off armchair and levered myself backwards, like a board, onto the base of the chair. It took me 45 minutes and bloodied elbows but I did it.
Due to my "challenges" there was only one aid I could use and it came from the comments. Several people spoke of their success using a flat inflatable bed rolling onto it and then inflating it and getting to a sitting position. I have had too many falls and as I live alone I was once almost 20 hours on the floor before, luckily, my daughter came to check on me. Without water and also the meds I take I hallucinated and it was a difficult experience plus several weeks in hospital. I always keep a phone and water on a low shelf now. And I will go online to find a twin inflatable bed and place it beside them ready to inflate. I definately will have someone with me when I practice the inflatable bed rescue! Absolutely a solution I feel positive I can do alone! Thank you, dear people, for your wonderful advice. Thank you, dear instructor, for making this very informative video.
Thank you, thank you, thank you! Your video suggestions work great! Examples 1-5 and the old "butt scoot" are my favourites. Thanks again!❤ BTW, I'm 78yrs old with two knee replacements.😁
I have purchased walkers & canes at thrift stores, keep them strategically located around the house. Everytime I have to get down on my knees I make sure there is a four point walker by me. I use it for support to get down, and then back up. I have a two story house, at the bottom of the stairs I have a heavy duty rubber matt about half inch thick & about 4 by 5 feet wide, in case of a fall I will not hit the hard tile. I actually did this when our son was young to protect him, and have kept it for my wife & I.
Just yesterday I sat down on the floor, and realized that due to a stiff knee I wasn’t going to hop up quickly. As I crawled toward a recliner chair I was thinking of this exact video. I saw it years ago, and was grateful for the tips I had picked up and still remembered. Just ran across it again. So glad to pick up some more info to remember!!
And thank you for helping unknown others with even just a bit of positivity. Can make such a difference in so many unpredictable situations... preparedness in so many ways goes a long way. I'm legally blind (impaired mid 70s) and a neighbor I'm a carer for has taught me so much more by her resourcefullness after falls.
I wish people would stop all these negative comments. This video is trying to be helpful and I can see that it would work for many people. The people who made the video are not responsible for the pain and medical conditions of some of the viewers so those viewers should not make such nasty comments. These ideas are innovative and give people the chance to help themselves rather than lay there waiting for someone else to help them. They will not work for everyone nor every time but it is always worth trying self help first. I am 72 and am grateful for this video and will be sharing it with other people - TFS team
Ruth, you can say that again. I'm 87, have had back and hip surgery and that first suggestion has helped me many times. I think it has a lot to do with attitude. Get over yourself people.
Thank you SO MUCH for this video. I have shared it with friends and family many times. I can personally attest that at least 4 of the methods here work, because we used them with my father, who is 87 and weighs close to 300 pounds and was recently hospitalized and needed a wheelchair. He fell, and it was only because I had seen this video that we were able to get him up again. Once it was outside, next to a short wall made of flat concrete bricks. I used the books technique with those bricks, dismantling the wall, until he was high enough to stand, with my help. His shorts got all muddy, but it worked!!!
We’re very happy to learn that you found the video helpful and grateful that you’re sharing it with others. Your use of the brick tower is a great example of creatively thinking outside of the box - very impressive! Many thanks for taking the time to share your story, so others can benefit too!
I used to watch MacGyver religiously. I love his ingenuity. Some of these techniques would be hard for a very large person to use, if they could use them at all. But others are very useful to know. Thanks for the demo.
I thought that as well. Someone 300 lbs is just not going to be able to do those techniques. If they could find a large person to make a video for how large people can get up, that would be great.
Thank you this helped so much I tripped over a plastic chair lying on the floor I fell on my back It’s quite embarrassing since I’m only 13 years old and I have to search up a RUclips toturial on how to get up I was trying to get up for about ten minutes I finally pulled myself up holing onto the tv unit. Next time I will know what to do it helps for young people too.
Having gone through months of PT after a life-threatening car accident (I was in a wheelchair for 3.5 most), I applaud this video. I would add two other tactics: first, use your imagination when finding a stable object you can use in order to get back on your feet (the MacGyver move). Think outside the box. It's a lot easier to flip onto your stomach than on your back; second, use your body weight, counter balance and gravity to reorient yourself into a position that will get you upright. Great video!
I make a point to review this video every year and at any point that I am experiencing significant knee pain. One point that this wonderful lady fails to mention is the emotional and psychological aspects of falling. It's so important to practice getting up with someone able to help you if needed. Practice really helps remove some of the fear. It is as important to calm yourself if you're on the floor because panic prevents you from making the best choices -- I've only fallen once and literally laid on the floor for several minutes carefully assessing myself for injury, and consciously let my heart rate slow down and my mind clear. I was able to get up on a single try which was such a huge relief -- I understand that that may not happen next time but it does make me feel a little more confident should it happen again. A review and a few more ideas: PRACTICE with someone capable of helping you if needed; take time to CALM YOURSELF to reduce panic and think clearly; REVIEW these and any other techniques your doctor or physical therapist advises you; finally you can call 911 to get trained assistance getting up (we did this several times for my mother who was frail and used a walker). Be prepared, have a plan, practice. Good luck.
Thank you for the tips. It looks easy when a young person does it I would like to see a video with an older over weight person use these steps. Oh, and my sofa is much high than that one you are using for the demonstration. This video did give me some thing to think about though.
These are excellent strategies and bound to be very useful to many. I became a 'mono-pod" 8 years ago when I lost nearly all my right leg in a road accident. I have practiced getting up from the floor aided by amputee physiotherapists who showed me how to do it - but without two legs getting up to a kneeling position is just about impossible. Wearing a prosthetic leg it's a bit easier. However I must say you are light weight and trim so the moves look so easy for you. The heavier you are the more strength you need in your arms to get even to the first stage of getting up. I have found the best solution is 'prevention over cure' and I haven't fallen down yet in those 8 years from the age of 67 to 75 - I've still not hit the deck. In my youth I wasn't sporting and was regarded as having an over-developed sense of self-preservation. That served me well !
Just this past Monday I fell in my bath and layed on the floor for 1 hour and 45 min. I had to scoot on my back to my kitchen where my telephone was. By the time I had gotten there my blood sugar had fallen. I was shaking . I just across your video. Oh how I wish that I had seen this before. I am so sore but thankful that I had no broken bones. Your video will be helpful ,, trusting I will not fall again but have a real balance issue. Thank You so much for sharing to RUclips.
Thank you for taking the time to share your story with others. We very much hope that you do not experience any more falls.🙏 You noted that you have underlying balance issues, which may increase the likelihood of experiencing a fall. There is an article on our website that provides tips for setting up a buddy system, as well as additional strategies for surviving a fall. See: homeability.com/falls-how-to-get-off-the-floor/
I'm 70, 5'2" and weigh almost 250. A couple of years ago I was working with my sheep out in the pasture.when the ram hit me. I stepped on a large round stone and heard and felt my ankle break. Bum knees and rocks meant no crawling so I locked my legs together and "log rolled" to the fence. From there I was able to butt scoot to a wagon. I got on the wagon backward so I could push with my good leg until I got to help. I was pretty dang pleased with my accomplishment. That log roll was very useful for a long distance with no available supports. It was much less tireing as well.
Yikes! That sounds TERRIBLE - starting with the physical blow from the ram through to the end! Thank your for sharing your story and your self-rescue tricks.
WOW. YOU ARE PRETTY OVERWEIGHT FOR YOUR HEIGHT TOO, HUH? IT'S OKAY. I WEIGH ALMOST 400 LBS. AND CAN'T EVEN GET UP TO TAKE A SHIT. LET ALONE HERD SHEEP. BRAVO! I'M GOING TO LOG ROLL MYSELF TO THE KITCHEN NOW..- I WON'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT FALLING OR GETTING UP NOW! THANKS!
This is OUTSTANDING! What a great resource for individuals who live alone and may be susceptible to falls. THANK YOU, Rhonda B., for taking the time to record this and share it with the public.
Videos like this one helps put ideas into the mind of people who otherwise feel very helpless. Of course not everyone is as fit or slightly built as this person but having an idea how to help yourself in a situation like this means even if it takes a long time putting any of these methods into practice it is better than just lying where you have fallen and doing nothing. Also now, before any fall, is the time to look around in the home so see what is available to help or indeed purchase something which can help. For example most speakers available currently won't take the weight of an adult human so maybe purchase a footstool or even a sturdy decorative ladder (like those used for towels or a pretty blanket) for help proving purchase to raise body height or even to reach a phone or a doorknob. Even tying a rope with knots (or a silk cord if a rope is too ugly) to a door knob or create another anchor point with a hook attached firmly to the wall - either will help lift someone up from the floor.
What great tips! I live alone, need my right shoulder replaced & can't kneel or squat so I'm deathly afraid of falling. I want to try these but I'm afraid I won't be able to get up if get down purposely. It's scary living alone.
A: I hear you (as do many of us here as well). It can be just as 'solitary' when one's partner/spouse/companion is even more disabled or out of commission, so don't feel you are alone. We are legion. You might want to try a bit of stacking a few couch cushions (assuming they come off in order to do so), or scouting around for something you can also 'stack' but which might be softer to inch yourself towards, put your elbows (or wrists if you don't have issues there) to pull yourself up onto, and then further up onto a couch or chair. I think for many of us, keeping a cordless phone (or cellphone if you have one - I personally don't), within reach at all times, would be our best bet if a fall is severe enough. During my husband's long illness last year I would stuff my much too large cordless handset into my sweatpants' pocket when I took my dogs outside, especially in the freezing cold and icy conditions. Of course with my luck I'd land on it, shattering it into a thousand pieces, ;). Just a little aside: I make friends wherever I go, so I wonder if you don't have a friend you could have check in on you - or if you don't have someone close by you could frequent your local library or community theater, perhaps making friends in the process? There has to be a way for you to find like-minded people you could count on in an emergency. Much luck to you.
I need two shoulders replacing and I really am in terrible pain and I couldn’t do these recovery stuff…it’s ok for this healthy lady doing this but I couldn’t. I’m with you all the way about deathly afraid of falling.I’m 76
This video does such a great job of emphasizing innovative mindset. I had just fallen 2wks ago while I was on an exercise ball as the ball slipped out from under me. I hit the floor hard directly on my tailbone and was instantly in so much pain. I had to lay there for an hour for me to get "used to the pain" enough for me to decide to get myself up. I used a yoga mat nearby as cushion for my hands and knees to push myself up by folding it to the desired thickness (helpful for those who have knee issues, this alleviate pain from direct contact with hard floors.) I was also able to grab a hand towel nearby, folded it twice lengthwise, and place this under my knees. This allowed me to slide my knees one by one across the room to the couch without having to lift up my knees (I couldn't repeatedly lift my knees to crawl without causing extreme pain from my new injury.) Once I was able to get to the couch, I did a combination of lifting/pushing myself up, whatever it took. Instincts take over, but having that seed of innovation planted in our heads is helpful and gets us actively thinking and observing our surroundings.
I’m 72 and just last week I watched this video. Tonight I fell in the bedroom as I was going around the bottom corner of the bed and my foot somehow got entangled in the bedding and caught on the footboard. I was in a narrow space and couldn’t get on my hands and knees to crawl. I don’t have much upper body strength so I couldn’t pull myself up using the footboard. After thinking for awhile I buttwalked backwards to get up against a low chair. I tipped up the seat cushion so the seat would be even lower and then I used your trick with the books to get high enough to get onto the chair. It was a bit harder than you made it look because I’m broader than you are. But it worked and I was able to stand up. It’s a bad feeling to be helpless. I was glad to have a way to help myself when I got into trouble.
We are very sorry to learn that you fell. It makes us happy to learn the video provided you with ideas that allowed you to successfully get yourself upright again. Thank you for taking time to share your experience with us and with other viewers! We did speed up the video showing the book technique, making it look like it happens faster than it does, which we hope was understood by viewers. The truth is that many people spend days on the floor or sadly are not found in time, so it does not matter how long it takes to get up, only that you can creatively devise a solution, any solution, to help you successfully get back upright on your feet again, which you definitely did. We very much hope that this is the first and last time you experience a fall and find yourself in need of this knowledge. There are some other strategies, however, for you to be aware of that can assist to further enhance your safety if such an incident were to occur again and that can help to prevent the likelihood you would be waiting for more than a few hours for someone to stop by and help you if you could not find a way to get back up again (i.e. if an injury occurred during the fall). To learn more, visit our article: homeability.com/falls-how-to-get-off-the-floor/
I was referred to the video by a friend, sending me a link after I suffered a fall 3 days ago. The video offered some great suggestions for getting up from the floor after a fall. However, the best suggestion for me on the video proved unsuitable for me as I am unable to kneel!!
I do floor stretches every evening before bed (really helps me sleep better). This forces me get off the floor at least once a day in order to maintain this critical skill.
I am almost 80 years old with very little semi-circular canal function and I use the first method she showed all the time and specially for getting out of the bathtub. I do not have enough balance to safely stand in a tub of running water so I must bathe. After I get on my hands and knees I lean my head against the tube to help raise my body using the hand rails. Good video. Thank you Rhonda.
Nelda Rainey bless your heart! Keep going no matter how you have to go about it 🤗 I’ve used the step method many times myself and I’ve been paralyzed for almost 18 yrs now. It’s amazing how creative you can be in those moments. God gives us the strength. 😘🤗
I'm almost 70 and have used a lawn chair in the bathtub and used the shower for years now. I have a long history of falls an spinal surgeries, plus my right knee and shoulder have been rebuilt. You can sit in the chair or stand facing it and let the shower flow over your back, shoulders and/or hips ... feels great. I haven't been able to sit in the bathtub and/or get up from that position in a bath tub for over 20 years now. Having the chair there also helps you get out of the bathtub safely.
Maybe you can get shower/bath chair and sit on that in the tub instead of going down into the tub where you might not be able to get out. That and a handheld shower head would solve your problem, with the addition of a removable grab bar on the side of the tub. Amazon is full of these products. You can get a very tall vise-like grab bar that has one or two bars on it and screw it onto the side of the tub and hold onto that as you're stepping out of the tub frome the chair. The best part is that if you have medicare or medicaid, your over the counter drug plan likely includes these items for free from either a local drug store like walgreens with your flex card or from a catalog they send you that you can buy things from (blood pressure monitors, diabetes monitors, shower benches, braces, canes, etc.). Then you don't even have to worry about paying for the fortification of your bathroom to make it safer for you. I would also install a huge rubbermaid mat across the bottom of the tub just in case, as they are very slippery, and put one outside the tub as well so you don't slide on the floor getting out either. You can put grab bars anywhere you feel the need for extra assistance when using bathroom facilities.
@@Netafied Thank you. I have all these things now. Actually, I am still very able to turn onto my hands and knees and grab the bars to pull myself up and out. I really enjoy reading in the bathtub and sitting in the hot water. My problem is something that was present at birth and just gets worse and worse. I am fairly intelligent and have learned over the years what I need to do to keep myself safe. You are very kind to worry about me. I bet your kind suggests will be a big help to others reading your comments.
I'm 66 and trying to stay strong for things like this. I studied martial arts years ago and understand a lot about body motion, acceleration, etc. This is good stuff that all people should practice if they can. Stay moving as much as you can!
Lovely informative video. I wish I had seen it sooner. I fell on hardwood floor after having both knees replaced & couldn't put weight or stress on them to get up. The book tower would have been perfect. I have both complete series of "Harry Potter" & "Shadowhunters" in hardback. I could have gotten up in a fraction of the time it took me.😀😘
I noticed many comments below from folks in my age range (70's) and older who talk about the loss of strength and stamina that come with ageing. This is one reason why I never stopped exercising. I do 150 minutes weekly, and rotate cardio, strength and flexibility exercises I find online. I use lots that are targeted for seniors, and work within my own range and ability. It's not fun, necessarily, but the alternative is more loss of balance and strength, so I exercise 6 days a week. Start slow, use common sense, and you can regain some independence and confidence in daily life.
Yes, of course. I am 77 and even though I am in great pain, I try to walk at the park a little and do some stretching exercises before I get out of bed and during the day.
Sometimes the fall happens outside and you injured your body. This happened to me...I tripped over something. I just lay there and waited, no phone because I didn't expect to need it so close to the house. First I thanked God it wasn't raining then I told Him that it looked like no one might walk by so early. I decided to take deep breaths and admired the greenery, since that was all I could do. And to my surprise and to the surprise of a nbr who was walking past with his pup, (he did a double take) lol and helped me up. Then I ended up in ER just in case I might have broken something. The lessons learned: Take your phone With you, always watch your step, Pray, keep calm and Breathe.
Love coming here every few weeks to see new comments. Think it’s safe to say what we've always heard....practice makes perfect. If a person has too much pain....doing nothing won’t improve the condition. Still too much pain, go to Plan B. Most important takeaway from Rhonda’s vid is...try something, but try it. All of us should, instead of a bouquet of flowers, bring our neighbors or relatives some safety devices. Instead of wearing a lovely watch fob, or locket worn at the breast, get a Bobbie's whistle, has a distinctive piercing sound, not much breath needed to activate. There are safety whistles that do require a big breath, but are loud enough to be heard for miles. Instead of a gift of flowers, bring to your loved one, a high beam/strobe light. Wear it if possible on a lanyard, or hang it within reach. Such a nice video because it gets you to thinkin'.
Such a valuable set of ideas I fell a few months ago and refused to let my husband call for help. It took me an hour but I figured out a way to get up. I've been looking for help like this. Thank you
I fell a few weeks ago going down my front porch steps. I thought the sidewalk was wet, but it was covered with a layer of ice as clear as glass. My feet flew straight out in front of me and my tailbone took the full impact. I think its best not to move right away. Let the initial shock and pain subside enough so you can inventory your body. I was grateful my spine had not hit the steps behind me. I laid down on my back with my knees up. And I shoved my arms beneath my torso with my fists under my buttocks. That was instinctive and I suppose to prevent losing body heat to the ice. I laid there and yelled for awhile in pain and fear at what could be serious injury at 65. I was half hoping someone would hear and come help. But it was the dead of winter and the street was empty. When I felt ready to move, I moved very slowly and did not have difficulty. I took it as a good sign that the pain was all local to that tailbone area. It took a few weeks to fade away. I've had a few bouts of back pain so intense that I wound up in an emergency room. Most of the moves in this video looked too twisty for an attack of back pain. Except I did like the speakers or stack of books idea. I can keep my spine straight with those moves.
Wow.. as hard as it is people need to learn not to freeze when they fall. Google Fall Prevention and start there. It teaches you to bend and fall without stiffening up. When you stiffen or try to brace a fall, more injury occurs. This is a great instructional video for after fall.
I feel the same way, especially when I remember that my baby is going to be 44 this March. Where did the time go, and why do I feel like a 16 year old inside...until I see myself in the mirror?
My question too! (usually you have no idea you cannot easily get up from the floor anymore, until it happens for the first time to you....hopefully not the LAST time for you.)
Getting old just sort of snuck up on me, I'm 71 and feeling it. I do stay busy with my wood turning hobby making bowls and boxes and vases and other fun stuff which I sell.
My 91 year old mother was stuck on the floor. I got her standing with the idea in the video of piling books on top of each other. So, thanks very much!
We are happy to learn the video helped you identify a solution to successfully assist your mom up from the floor. We appreciate you taking the time to share your experience with us and with other viewers!
I remember reading about a lady who lived alone on a property. She was a long distance from the house, fell and fractured her hip. Took 24 hours to crawl to the house while at risk of wild dogs. Often think of this lady as a role midel That is mental stamina and a very strong and determined lady. I've had fractures including a pelvis, but continued to walk for a week. A lot of pain control is in mind.
this just reminded me of when I slipped on a wet floor in the bathroom 🙄 I new I had broken something and I was alone, I did drag myself out backwards and into the lounge room to the arm chair with great difficulty & pain I pulled myself up backwards with my Arms. It turned out to be a spiral fracture Not Good... but watching this video I can see how very important to try to get up from the floor the Correct Way. Stay upright everyone!! 😉 Thank you for this information. 👏👏👏👏
This video is helpful to me. During a recent fall I landed on my bum and into a small old box which partially collapsed and created a wall surrounding me and hindered me from rolling over and onto my hands and knees. What's more, I kept slipping on the carpet as I tried to get up. It took a bit of maneuvering until I was able to use the end board of my bed to pull myself up.
Super video ,excellent content😊 .. thank you madam. I fell and stayed on the floor for...four hours, I will try this out with my occupational theraphist, book tower is an excellent idea, you can keep something arranged for an imergency Blessings
I'm young I'm still in my late twenties but because of my running I've had to have both knees replaced so I can't put pressure on my knees at all and I've fallen a few times always alone Each time I've used a few of these techniques depending where I am and they've always worked so thank you
Love some of the options. Maybe they won’t work for every situation, but it does give you something to think about, maybe even reach for a phone.Thank you for your ideas, they could save a life.
I’m 80 y/o and I have fallen a few times. Had a hard time getting up because I have bad knees. After viewing this video I’m going to watch it over and over again.(hope I can remember where I saw it 🧓🏾).
I'm 78 and overweight, but I think I can do most of these. People try to help you by pulling you up. With me that never works, I have to push up like these exercises. illustrate. Thanks for the tips.
2 weeks ago, I fell when my cane/stool combo broke (and both hips are nearly useless.) Luckily, a small box tightly packed with CDs was nearby, and it helped me gain enough leverage so that I could push up on my knees and grab hold of a doorknob to pull myself up. So glad that I never bothered to unpack those CDs when we moved!
Thank you for great suggestions. I am a respiratory therapist and have seen patients brought into the ED who have fallen and been down for estimated days. Anything a person can do to help themselves and call for aid as quickly as possible is good to know.
One year ago as a 79 year old, I woke from a day nap and could not move! Having no phone ( I HATE PHONES!), could not speak and barely move, it took 12+ hours to "wiggle" from the recliner to a computer 8 feet away. Once in the computer chair, took another hour to open email and after numerous tries to type ONE word to a local friend (HELP!), she understood and called an ambulance. After 7 days in a hospital, the stroke was controlled and relearning began. As an afterthought, If I could have reached for my car keys (6 feet away), I could have pressed the "panic" button to alert a neighbor 100 feet away to the beeping horn. I now have a "Medic Alert" to signal for help if needed. The excellent advice in this video may save YOUR life someday!
Great video! I have fallen a few times & although i'm only 59, i have a weak leg & if on the floor, have great difficulty getting up. I think all senior citizen centers, nursing homes, assisted living facilities should show this to their residents.
These are all wonderful ideas to help us if/when we fall. My problem is one of arthritic knees and limited ability to use my knees. I have used upper arms and the scooting method. But, getting myself up from the floor to a sitting position is what's very difficult.
That's my problem also, I have had a number of bad falls, two broken legs, not both at once thank goodness, and I'm now waiting for a knee replacement. If I fall again, I don't think I will ever get up!
This all looks easy for her . She's young thin, has strong arms and legs and back. Older people fall with no arm strength. Weak or partial use of legs. And over weight. Most have trouble getting out of chairs. These tactics are worth learning if you can do them. I recommend an alert button You wear it and fire dept get you up at no cost if it's just to get you up and not transport to hosp.
I was outside in the flower bed, used the bookshelf method with the bricks that lined the flowerbed and was able to build my sitting position high enough to be able to get up! And I was 67 years old at the time. I weighed 180 lbs. AND was still recovering from Covid so I wasn’t at my strongest. But I wasn’t giving up! 😊
I only have one arm, hand and shoulder that works. My worst fall left me lying on the road for over an hour. The next one was in a deep bathtub. I broke two ribs getting out of that bath. It was either the ribs or I would have died in the tub as there was no other way out. Even that took hours to achieve. Unfortunately none of these would have worked but hopefully most are not as disabled.
Goodness, I hope you are ok and on the mend. You need a nice low 'walk in shower' with a plastic chair to sit on, to help you be less prone to falling. I'm in my early 60's and thank god the last few times I fell, I got shaken up, but am flexible (clutzy) that through out life I've more or less learned how to roll with the fall and not get injured. My nephew who is 31 was talking about how traumatic it was for him70self when he fell recently. I had to have a little chuckle, and told him it only gets more traumatic each decade that you live, the falls get more painful. When my grandmother was in her 70s she fell on a walk in the mountains, thankfully my father was with her, and he must have been in his 40's and he is a big football player type. He carried her down the mountain. My grandmother was more or less ok, but had a lot of bruised ribs and she said it hurt a lot when she had to breathe deeply.
This is the best video I’ve seen so far! I’m over weight and don’t have a lot of upper body strength but I think I can do one of these! I’m going to practice the next time my son comes for a visit. Thank you!!!
all good except my legs won't work I have used the door and my cane.usually I fall and hit the crown of my head. I actually have a dent in my crown.lucky. i never hit hard e ough to be knocked out. thank God y
These are great if your young or have something near to use. I have no strength in my arm or back. My last fall was in the laundry room with nothing near by to help. My daughter finally found me and helped. I hope your video helps others. Maybe a video for the elderly who was little furniture etc. I have none of the furniture in this video. Hugs and prayers and thanks for the help for those will be able to use the ideas.
I have knee pt next week. Bone on bone knee pain. Today I fell walking uphill by the driveway and was so embarrassed. Luckily I had my phone and called my brother to come help me. I was bitten by a few ants but no injuries. Good thing I have a chiropractor appointment this week.
I watched this video a few months ago to be better prepared if I fell again. 3 days ago, I fell outside at the bottom of my yard but had my phone handy and called my son to help. I'm overweight, and like @judysowers547, I couldn't move anywhere close by to get up easily. My son suggested the car ramps from the garage, and they worked perfectly to ease myself gradually up to the height I could stand. I've also made sure that each room inside has books to stack and cushions I can reach to scoot and build a tower if I'm alone.
Making a tower means you need to be able to raise your butt .
Not happening !
@@superstarcat7654 hi! I hear ya. I had to rock side to side slowly and inch backwards up the ramp. That worked. It took a while, so I had to be patient. I've tried thin books inside the house and also a chair back with the chair turned upside down. It only takes the ability to rock gently and move an inch at a time. Are you able to do that? There's videos on YT about it. Let me know if you can't find them. 🤗
I think I first saw this video back when you first posted it and I'm so happy to find it again. I've had a number of falls over the years, and one of them resulted in me lying on the floor for over an hour. It's a scary feeling, not being able to get up. So I'm saving your video to a playlist so that I can watch it again multiple times, to fix the ideas in my head.
I spent 5 days on the floor of my house after I broke my hip and spine when I fell.I was rescued by neighbours who had been on holiday,I doubt if I would have survived if they had come even a day later.I am forever grateful to them, for saving my life.
So sorry for you, that must have been a horrific experience, and you almost didn't survive!!! Really glad for you, life is precious, isn't it?
Since my accident I have been to classes like this video,showing people how to get up when they fall,this programme will save lives.
Goodness me, how frightening that will have been. I'm so pleased you were rescued. 🥰
You can see how helpful it would be to have one of those emergency buttons that hangs around your neck
Wow, that's awful. So glad things worked out for you.
I am elderly, over weight, and disabled with knee replacements, pinched sciatic nerve and bad hips. I fell yesterday, and hip scooted to the bed, grabbed a pillow, twisted around and put my bad knee on the pillow, dragged my right foot( with fused big toe and ankle) into place with my right hand) then pushed with arms and leg to get off the floor. Hell yes it hurt, but I persevered. My dignity and independence is very important to me. I say thank you to the young lady for taking time to help us old folks, no matter what shoes she had on. If you don’t try, you die!
I was a bit disappointed in some of the comments to this video. Yes, the young lady doing the demonstrations is very fit and capable, however, the important part of the video for me was the mindset she was advocating. Think like MacGyver! It is amazing what you can do if you are creative. I am in my 80s and have fallen several times, but only once was I unable to get up without help (because of the twisting of my body in the fall). Usually there is something in your environment that can be used in a creative way. It's not always easy, but knowledge is power and it's amazing what you can do if you get creative and are not seriously hurt. Thanks for the advice and encouragement.
I agree. Knowledge is powerful. Love your comment☺️👍🏾✨
These were great! As an RN I have taken care of elderly hospitalized after falls, not from the fall, but from staying down. Learning to keep your wits and use what you do have is so important! I knew one lady who fell outside and scooted on her bottom and pulled herself up using a small tree. We all need to encourage elderly to use what they DO have and not give up. Outstanding video IMO 😊
I shared this with my 94 year old mother about 2 months ago. I had just had a total knee replacement. During week 3 of recovery from the surgery, I fell in the yard. Ideas from this video helped get me to my feet. Then this morning, my mother found herself on the floor looking for something. After realizing the predicament she was in, the ideas, thanks to this video, clicked in and she was able to get up. Said she was worn out be UP and glad she had seen the video. My mother said that the video had given her the ideas ad the confidence. I got to thinking about my recent fall and how confident I had been that I would find a way, also. Thank you so much for taking the time to make this video. The information is invaluable.❤
Absolutely.
Being 75 years old and having found myself in the floor/yard more than a few times I appreciate these ideas!
Not for nothing, but she did say these are not for everybody and their conditions, but to the best of her ability she was trying to help those who have some strength and mobility in different parts of their body to find an easy way to get up. And I give her credit for that😊
My mum recently used your (practised and discussed) technique to get up after fall in the garden. Crawled over soft grass to the chair at the back door. Took her time. Got up. Yes, had no phone or her safety beeper on her. So proud of her.
So today I found myself on my back in the bathroom. Luckily I remembered your video, turned on my side , pulled over a bath mat, and grabbed hold of the tub. I got up without sliding and instantly thought of you! Thank you 😊
I am a Primary Care physician with 20+ years experience. My father is 80 with limited mobility. I’m going to go see him Tomorrow to find some practical applications of theses methods for him.
Thank You! There are aspects of these useful for ANYONE regardless of age or ability.
Thank you in return for sharing your thoughts and experience with others!
My mother is 85 years old and with less than ideal mobility, thank you so much for these tips. My sister and I will immediately start practicing these techniques with our mom to have her ready in case of an emergency. God bless!
DIN'T THROW HER ON THE FLOOR THOUGH.
GET HER DRUNK FIRST.
PLEASE.
AND THANK YOU.
Wow you and your sisters are good daughters.
I agree this may help a person with no pains in their knees or legs. I sure would like to see a person who has extreme pain in there knees like many of us, try to get up from any of these falls. With what you have shown to us. Of course you csn do it because you have no pain.
How about trying to get up with two bad knees and a broken hand (from the fall), with a head injury making me lose consciousness on and off too. Thank goodness for the Police and Ambos. I was a wet cold night too and I think their early intervention saved my life that night.
The true reason many of us watched this video is probably because we're in pain, fall a lot, are overweight & cannot get ourselves upright.
When my mother fell and my sister couldn’t get her up, she remembered the aero bed we had. She laid it on the floor, rolled my mother on to it and inflated the bed. My mom then sat up, swung her legs over and stood up. I thought that was genius!
@Peg, Rock on!
Thank you for the information
Thank you so much , it just helped my partner who has severe mobility issues after he fell on the floor. You just saved us ringing a ambulance thank you from the bottom of my heart ❤️ xx
Such a clever idea
Great ideas! Thank you.
Everyone over 55 should see this. I had occasion to use the book tower to get myself off the floor onto my stairs. Thank you for taking the time to make this video, It's worth it's weight in gold.
I hope everyone watches this video…its been months since I watched. I fell this week & I didn’t wait to try to get up. I remembered this video, and I managed to get up. I used what I had and before the pain set in I was up! Bleeding & feeling some pain, but I was able to get to the phone. I now take the phone with me everywhere, even the bathroom!
lol my phone is with me as well called prevention and less stress for sure ..fyi
Glad to hear you got up okay.
Having a recent fall, totally embarrassing, outside on my lawn, but landed in gravel. I could not get up no matter what I tried. Having two hip replacements & badly needing a torn ACL or total knee replacement, I was helpless trying to get up despite getting to my knees. I could not get any purchase on the side of my house, so crawled back on all fours to a chain link fence thru gravel & with all my strength pulled myself up. All I could think of was , ‘ I hope my neighbours didn’t see me!’ Man, it sure is challenging getting older!
This lady don't weigh 120 kgs and 75 almost years like my mum with arithritis
@@josephdemirbas1636 Exactly, it depends on what condition you are in. I envy those who are younger & capable of getting themselves up from a fall.
Thankfully it seems you are ok. I'm sure it was a challenge, mentally and emotionally and physically. Yes getting older is kind of no fun, in a lot of ways.
I'm 71 years young and am recovering from a fall with concussion. Five months later I fell in the garage. My left leg was paralyzed. I had to forward frog walk until I could get back inside. Still slowly recovering but tried all the techniques and was finally able to get inside and get help. Thanks so much for repeating this older training module.
Well done young lady! I read some of the negative reviews. But I applaud your efforts! I'm 74. I know many my age could not do some, or maybe even none of the techniques you showed us here. And for those, sadly, this video might not be of any help. THAT BEING SAID . . . I'm 74. In good health. Physdically strong. And knowing how many elderly people fall each year, I thank you for the gift you gave to all who could use your tips and tricks. ALSO . . . to those who LIVE WITH someone who cannot do these techniquest by themselves . . . if you find yourself needing to help up someone who fell, helping them do the techniques, and providing some support along with their efforts to do the technique will make it easier for YOU to help them up. Thank you for your gift, Rhonda. Wayne (Reed) Knazek
I struggled for 2 hours to get up off the floor, until i decided to put my nearby shoes on. I was getting no purchase on the carpet, until I did this. It absolutely helped!
The MacGyver ideas and your helpful hints are appreciated.
85 years old, just fell in the house and had to get up alone.
Thanks
Being very over weight and in my mid 70's I find this video very helpful. What I do when I am on the floor is remove sofa cushions, get my butt up on a cushion lay back onto the couch where the cushions were, swing my legs onto couch and stand up.
After watching your video I realize I could go to my front door which has an immediate step down to the porch. Sitting in doorway with my feet down on porch and door frame to hang onto I should be able to get up. Thanks so much for this video.
MY SMARTASS KID TOLD ME I SHOULD SRAY ON THE FOOR UNTIL MY OBESITY WASN'T MORBID ANYMORE.
ORMAYBE IT WAS UNTIL I WAS MORBID.
DAMN.
DO YOU THINK HE WANTS MY HOUSE?
This is so nice of you, to take the time out of you life, to teach us Seniors, the problems we can run into, after falling! Thank you so much! You are such a CHAMP!
HOW OLD IS A SENOR?
SENORITA.
I recently broke my dominant arm in a fall while outside on my deck. I knew there would be a good chance that I would not get help for some time since I live by myself. I decided to use the adrenaline in my body to get myself up. I am 70 years old and have had two knee replacements. I truly "rigged" my escape using the deck furniture. I must say it was very painful to get up but I was determined. I had surgery two weeks later and had 14 screws placed in the plate. I'm still having OT and I am recovering nicely. The wakeup call for me was this. I need to increase my endurance, balance and strength significantly. I bought a watch where I can summon help, if needed. It is time to be accountable.
Thanks for sharing. Good on you for not giving up.
Great video. I’ve fallen several times and had a very hard time figuring how to get up. I’m 74 and have poor balance. Live alone, too. I think for me, not panic and try these different technics to get up.
I played this Video for my 84-year old friend who was stuck on the floor. It helped her think through The correct steps to get herself up! Thanks!
We are happy to learn that it was helpful for your friend. Thank you for sharing!
This video was excellent but not for everyone that falls...too many with bad knees, no upper body strength, surgeries etc. appreciate the tips she has shown us and it may come in handy to help someone else...I too am overweight and without help none of them would have worked for me...thankful for a strong son in law and grandson right next door but then you'd better have your phone on your person....
See my comment, this will work well for you. I and my mom are both pretty weak people.( she is 5'4" around 200lbs. I am a buck 80), she has bad knees and hip replacements. (Falling is always contingent with after effects that do not go away.)- my mom has a cheap beeper that she call me with, which could be worn like a necklace.
I don't have a right arm due to a stroke. One time I fell off the toilet. I had to walk on my back to get to my bed where l was able to get on my bed with left leg and arm. It took awhile, maybe about an hour. But no injuries. Thank God!
Great video.
As an Orthopedic surgeon, I think after age 70, one should monitor not only bone density but also be referred to PT to practice balance work and these important techniques.
I would always ask my older patients, "Can you get up on your feet from flat on the floor?"
Practice every two months.
Stay active, even if just a daily walk.
I think your comment is one of the best here in this collection of commenters.
WHATT......you gotta be kiddin me. Sport and exercise through our life prevents all this.
And yes I can get up from the floor at 78.
This is the second time I've watched this video. Thanks to you, I was able to get up from one of my three falls by myself. Being overweight and under-strong, I needed help to get up from the tumble I took outside (nothing to hang onto). The third time I was indoors, but needed help again. I'm re-watching this video to refresh my memory and add some tools to my toolkit. Thank you again.
Thanks for the tips. I have Had to call 911 twice after falls. I have a bad knee and couldn't get myself up. I fell two weeks ago but was able to pull myself on to the sofa. I was so proud of myself. I guess my knee is healing.
Thank you for sharing this knowledge!! I’m paralyzed from the chest down and many of the movements you use are similar to what I’ve learned over the years to do to get up off the ground.
Bless you for helping others. 💕
Wish You everything good in lite🤗
Life!!
At 71 I've fallen multiple times and luckily been able to get up. These were all new to me. Thank you!
Fantastic advice. Thanks! Being older, there are many of these I could not do. So I focused on "Okay, what CAN I do?" The turning over furniture to make handrails is brilliant. I made a plan using two sturdy wooden barstools and taking off my couch cushions to use and back up to the couch "in steps" (with other pillows if needed). Hopefully I won't need it but it feels good to know that in case of a fall I know exactly what to do. Could also use towels, folded up throw rugs, pillows, or even clothes out of the closet to make that tower or "steps" to keep lifting yourself higher. (Ignore the critics... lol you aren't magic and can't possibly fix everyone's health problems but for a LOT of us these tips could be lifesavers.)
I was trapped Sunday on the floor in a tight hall way , i got half way up fell down, i have mobility problems and i can walk 25 feet, but i needed to check the dryer for a leak and could not get back up , so i but scooted thru the hall on my but,i got on my side and was able to craw thru the kicthen into the bed room and i was tired, i rested for a while on the floor, then i could not push myself up, so i got on my knees and flopped my body on the bed and wiggled myself upon the bed and i was able to get back up, Thank God he knew what to do and told me , i saw one of your videos a long time ago But GOD told me what to do Thank you Lord.......
I've fallen many times in my life and used a few of these mentioned, they work great. I like your creativity with the MacGyver ideas.
Bravo Rhonda! I've been personal training for over 18 years and I love it when people like yourself take the time to put such helpful ideas out there for people to use. The biggest concern with most of my clients is getting up after a fall and balance. These are great suggestions and I commend you for sharing your knowledge. Well done!
I really enjoyed this video. Many times after a fall, one is rather shaken up and the tendency is to just lie there, getting colder and scared by the minute. These tips should be a great help to first aid strategy. Even if you are not alone, the other person can certainly help by instructing you in these methods and supporting you as you get up. Regarding those commenting on here about the difficulty in trying to get up because of overweight, fused knees or backs, perhaps you could have a word with your doctor or physiotherapist about the best methods for you in the event of a fall and try practicing them at home. I would strongly suggest getting one of those panic buttons to wear at home for those of you who know they would be totally incapacitated in the event of a fall, with or without injury.
This video saved me after 3 falls !!! I was alone in the garage twice. Once I fell on the side of the road (picking wild flowers). I finally figured out how to quit falling but only because I lived through the first 3 falls! Thank you!!!
Thanks for your comment, @Sunny141. I am curious to learn what methods you used to rescue yourself in those 3 falls! Can you elaborate?- RB
I’m in a telephone circle. Each day at 8.30 pm I’m get a phone call. After this call I call the next one in the circle, and that one calls the next. And so on until the circle is closed. So I wouldn’t lay on the ground for longer than a day. But the tips are great.
At 77 I fell in front garden on gravel, no one passes here, and I can’t kneel, could not haul myself up against locked car or front door (luckily open) so I had to shuffle on my bum using elbows for leverage into house and through to living room where I pulled cushion off armchair and levered myself backwards, like a board, onto the base of the chair. It took me 45 minutes and bloodied elbows but I did it.
I am 78 and still ride my horse !!!
@@barbaramorris5636 well good for you Karen
Due to my "challenges" there was only one aid I could use and it came from the comments. Several people spoke of their success using a flat inflatable bed rolling onto it and then inflating it and getting to a sitting position. I have had too many falls and as I live alone I was once almost 20 hours on the floor before, luckily, my daughter came to check on me. Without water and also the meds I take I hallucinated and it was a difficult experience plus several weeks in hospital. I always keep a phone and water on a low shelf now. And I will go online to find a twin inflatable bed and place it beside them ready to inflate. I definately will have someone with me when I practice the inflatable bed rescue! Absolutely a solution I feel positive I can do alone! Thank you, dear people, for your wonderful advice. Thank you, dear instructor, for making this very informative video.
Thank you, thank you, thank you! Your video suggestions work great! Examples 1-5 and the old "butt scoot" are my favourites. Thanks again!❤ BTW, I'm 78yrs old with two knee replacements.😁
I have purchased walkers & canes at thrift stores, keep them strategically located around the house. Everytime I have to get down on my knees I make sure there is a four point walker by me. I use it for support to get down, and then back up. I have a two story house, at the bottom of the stairs I have a heavy duty rubber matt about half inch thick & about 4 by 5 feet wide, in case of a fall I will not hit the hard tile. I actually did this when our son was young to protect him, and have kept it for my wife & I.
Just yesterday I sat down on the floor, and realized that due to a stiff knee I wasn’t going to hop up quickly. As I crawled toward a recliner chair I was thinking of this exact video. I saw it years ago, and was grateful for the tips I had picked up and still remembered.
Just ran across it again. So glad to pick up some more info to remember!!
And thank you for helping unknown others with even just a bit of positivity. Can make such a difference in so many unpredictable situations... preparedness in so many ways goes a long way. I'm legally blind (impaired mid 70s) and a neighbor I'm a carer for has taught me so much more by her resourcefullness after falls.
I wish people would stop all these negative comments. This video is trying to be helpful and I can see that it would work for many people. The people who made the video are not responsible for the pain and medical conditions of some of the viewers so those viewers should not make such nasty comments. These ideas are innovative and give people the chance to help themselves rather than lay there waiting for someone else to help them. They will not work for everyone nor every time but it is always worth trying self help first. I am 72 and am grateful for this video and will be sharing it with other people - TFS team
Ruth, you can say that again. I'm 87, have had back and hip surgery and that first suggestion has helped me many times. I think it has a lot to do with attitude. Get over yourself people.
Thank you SO MUCH for this video. I have shared it with friends and family many times.
I can personally attest that at least 4 of the methods here work, because we used them with my father, who is 87 and weighs close to 300 pounds and was recently hospitalized and needed a wheelchair. He fell, and it was only because I had seen this video that we were able to get him up again. Once it was outside, next to a short wall made of flat concrete bricks. I used the books technique with those bricks, dismantling the wall, until he was high enough to stand, with my help. His shorts got all muddy, but it worked!!!
We’re very happy to learn that you found the video helpful and grateful that you’re sharing it with others. Your use of the brick tower is a great example of creatively thinking outside of the box - very impressive! Many thanks for taking the time to share your story, so others can benefit too!
alinaspencil so thats what happend to my wall....
I used to watch MacGyver religiously. I love his ingenuity. Some of these techniques would be hard for a very large person to use, if they could use them at all. But others are very useful to know. Thanks for the demo.
I thought that as well. Someone 300 lbs is just not going to be able to do those techniques. If they could find a large person to make a video for how large people can get up, that would be great.
This has actually happened to me & it was hours before I made my way up. Your advice is golden!
GIRRRRRRLLLL!!
Thank you this helped so much I tripped over a plastic chair lying on the floor I fell on my back It’s quite embarrassing since I’m only 13 years old and I have to search up a RUclips toturial on how to get up I was trying to get up for about ten minutes I finally pulled myself up holing onto the tv unit. Next time I will know what to do it helps for young people too.
Having gone through months of PT after a life-threatening car accident (I was in a wheelchair for 3.5 most), I applaud this video. I would add two other tactics: first, use your imagination when finding a stable object you can use in order to get back on your feet (the MacGyver move). Think outside the box. It's a lot easier to flip onto your stomach than on your back; second, use your body weight, counter balance and gravity to reorient yourself into a position that will get you upright. Great video!
I make a point to review this video every year and at any point that I am experiencing significant knee pain. One point that this wonderful lady fails to mention is the emotional and psychological aspects of falling. It's so important to practice getting up with someone able to help you if needed. Practice really helps remove some of the fear. It is as important to calm yourself if you're on the floor because panic prevents you from making the best choices -- I've only fallen once and literally laid on the floor for several minutes carefully assessing myself for injury, and consciously let my heart rate slow down and my mind clear. I was able to get up on a single try which was such a huge relief -- I understand that that may not happen next time but it does make me feel a little more confident should it happen again. A review and a few more ideas: PRACTICE with someone capable of helping you if needed; take time to CALM YOURSELF to reduce panic and think clearly; REVIEW these and any other techniques your doctor or physical therapist advises you; finally you can call 911 to get trained assistance getting up (we did this several times for my mother who was frail and used a walker). Be prepared, have a plan, practice. Good luck.
Beryl
10th
Thank you for the tips. It looks easy when a young person does it I would like to see a video with an older over weight person use these steps. Oh, and my sofa is much high than that one you are using for the demonstration. This video did give me some thing to think about though.
These are excellent strategies and bound to be very useful to many. I became a 'mono-pod" 8 years ago when I lost nearly all my right leg in a road accident. I have practiced getting up from the floor aided by amputee physiotherapists who showed me how to do it - but without two legs getting up to a kneeling position is just about impossible. Wearing a prosthetic leg it's a bit easier. However I must say you are light weight and trim so the moves look so easy for you. The heavier you are the more strength you need in your arms to get even to the first stage of getting up. I have found the best solution is 'prevention over cure' and I haven't fallen down yet in those 8 years from the age of 67 to 75 - I've still not hit the deck. In my youth I wasn't sporting and was regarded as having an over-developed sense of self-preservation. That served me well !
Just this past Monday I fell in my bath and layed on the floor for 1 hour and 45 min. I had to scoot on my back to my kitchen where my telephone was. By the time I had gotten there my blood sugar had fallen. I was shaking . I just across your video. Oh how I wish that I had seen this before. I am so sore but thankful that I had no broken bones. Your video will be helpful ,, trusting I will not fall again but have a real balance issue. Thank You so much for sharing to RUclips.
Thank you for taking the time to share your story with others. We very much hope that you do not experience any more falls.🙏
You noted that you have underlying balance issues, which may increase the likelihood of experiencing a fall. There is an article on our website that provides tips for setting up a buddy system, as well as additional strategies for surviving a fall. See: homeability.com/falls-how-to-get-off-the-floor/
I'm 70, 5'2" and weigh almost 250. A couple of years ago I was working with my sheep out in the pasture.when the ram hit me. I stepped on a large round stone and heard and felt my ankle break. Bum knees and rocks meant no crawling so I locked my legs together and "log rolled" to the fence. From there I was able to butt scoot to a wagon. I got on the wagon backward so I could push with my good leg until I got to help. I was pretty dang pleased with my accomplishment. That log roll was very useful for a long distance with no available supports. It was much less tireing as well.
Yikes! That sounds TERRIBLE - starting with the physical blow from the ram through to the end! Thank your for sharing your story and your self-rescue tricks.
I liked the fact *you kept persevering* & didn't just crumble & cry.
The fact that you were out ram wrestling in your 60’s says you’re more mobile than some persons half your age!😂
WOW.
YOU ARE PRETTY OVERWEIGHT FOR YOUR HEIGHT
TOO, HUH?
IT'S OKAY. I WEIGH ALMOST 400 LBS. AND CAN'T EVEN GET UP TO TAKE A SHIT. LET ALONE HERD SHEEP.
BRAVO!
I'M GOING TO LOG ROLL MYSELF TO THE KITCHEN NOW..- I WON'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT FALLING OR GETTING UP NOW!
THANKS!
Wow!! You are amazing 🤩
This is OUTSTANDING! What a great resource for individuals who live alone and may be susceptible to falls. THANK YOU, Rhonda B., for taking the time to record this and share it with the public.
Videos like this one helps put ideas into the mind of people who otherwise feel very helpless. Of course not everyone is as fit or slightly built as this person but having an idea how to help yourself in a situation like this means even if it takes a long time putting any of these methods into practice it is better than just lying where you have fallen and doing nothing. Also now, before any fall, is the time to look around in the home so see what is available to help or indeed purchase something which can help. For example most speakers available currently won't take the weight of an adult human so maybe purchase a footstool or even a sturdy decorative ladder (like those used for towels or a pretty blanket) for help proving purchase to raise body height or even to reach a phone or a doorknob. Even tying a rope with knots (or a silk cord if a rope is too ugly) to a door knob or create another anchor point with a hook attached firmly to the wall - either will help lift someone up from the floor.
Allie B Someone needs to wise up and show an elderly person in the same situation, not a young, lightweight like in this video. 😋
What great tips! I live alone, need my right shoulder replaced & can't kneel or squat so I'm deathly afraid of falling. I want to try these but I'm afraid I won't be able to get up if get down purposely. It's scary living alone.
A: I hear you (as do many of us here as well). It can be just as 'solitary' when one's partner/spouse/companion is even more disabled or out of commission, so don't feel you are alone. We are legion. You might want to try a bit of stacking a few couch cushions (assuming they come off in order to do so), or scouting around for something you can also 'stack' but which might be softer to inch yourself towards, put your elbows (or wrists if you don't have issues there) to pull yourself up onto, and then further up onto a couch or chair. I think for many of us, keeping a cordless phone (or cellphone if you have one - I personally don't), within reach at all times, would be our best bet if a fall is severe enough. During my husband's long illness last year I would stuff my much too large cordless handset into my sweatpants' pocket when I took my dogs outside, especially in the freezing cold and icy conditions. Of course with my luck I'd land on it, shattering it into a thousand pieces, ;). Just a little aside: I make friends wherever I go, so I wonder if you don't have a friend you could have check in on you - or if you don't have someone close by you could frequent your local library or community theater, perhaps making friends in the process? There has to be a way for you to find like-minded people you could count on in an emergency. Much luck to you.
I need two shoulders replacing and I really am in terrible pain and I couldn’t do these recovery stuff…it’s ok for this healthy lady doing this but I couldn’t. I’m with you all the way about deathly afraid of falling.I’m 76
My girlfriend who I love dearly has issues with falling and getting up. This could save her life! Thank you a million times!
This video does such a great job of emphasizing innovative mindset. I had just fallen 2wks ago while I was on an exercise ball as the ball slipped out from under me. I hit the floor hard directly on my tailbone and was instantly in so much pain. I had to lay there for an hour for me to get "used to the pain" enough for me to decide to get myself up. I used a yoga mat nearby as cushion for my hands and knees to push myself up by folding it to the desired thickness (helpful for those who have knee issues, this alleviate pain from direct contact with hard floors.) I was also able to grab a hand towel nearby, folded it twice lengthwise, and place this under my knees. This allowed me to slide my knees one by one across the room to the couch without having to lift up my knees (I couldn't repeatedly lift my knees to crawl without causing extreme pain from my new injury.) Once I was able to get to the couch, I did a combination of lifting/pushing myself up, whatever it took.
Instincts take over, but having that seed of innovation planted in our heads is helpful and gets us actively thinking and observing our surroundings.
I’m 72 and just last week I watched this video. Tonight I fell in the bedroom as I was going around the bottom corner of the bed and my foot somehow got entangled in the bedding and caught on the footboard. I was in a narrow space and couldn’t get on my hands and knees to crawl. I don’t have much upper body strength so I couldn’t pull myself up using the footboard. After thinking for awhile I buttwalked backwards to get up against a low chair. I tipped up the seat cushion so the seat would be even lower and then I used your trick with the books to get high enough to get onto the chair. It was a bit harder than you made it look because I’m broader than you are. But it worked and I was able to stand up. It’s a bad feeling to be helpless. I was glad to have a way to help myself when I got into trouble.
We are very sorry to learn that you fell. It makes us happy to learn the video provided you with ideas that allowed you to successfully get yourself upright again. Thank you for taking time to share your experience with us and with other viewers!
We did speed up the video showing the book technique, making it look like it happens faster than it does, which we hope was understood by viewers. The truth is that many people spend days on the floor or sadly are not found in time, so it does not matter how long it takes to get up, only that you can creatively devise a solution, any solution, to help you successfully get back upright on your feet again, which you definitely did. We very much hope that this is the first and last time you experience a fall and find yourself in need of this knowledge.
There are some other strategies, however, for you to be aware of that can assist to further enhance your safety if such an incident were to occur again and that can help to prevent the likelihood you would be waiting for more than a few hours for someone to stop by and help you if you could not find a way to get back up again (i.e. if an injury occurred during the fall). To learn more, visit our article: homeability.com/falls-how-to-get-off-the-floor/
I was referred to the video by a friend, sending me a link after I suffered a fall 3 days ago. The video offered some great suggestions for getting up from the floor after a fall. However, the best suggestion for me on the video proved unsuitable for me as I am unable to kneel!!
I do floor stretches every evening before bed (really helps me sleep better). This forces me get off the floor at least once a day in order to maintain this critical skill.
I am almost 80 years old with very little semi-circular canal function and I use the first method she showed all the time and specially for getting out of the bathtub. I do not have enough balance to safely stand in a tub of running water so I must bathe. After I get on my hands and knees I lean my head against the tube to help raise my body using the hand rails. Good video. Thank you Rhonda.
Nelda Rainey bless your heart! Keep going no matter how you have to go about it 🤗 I’ve used the step method many times myself and I’ve been paralyzed for almost 18 yrs now. It’s amazing how creative you can be in those moments. God gives us the strength.
😘🤗
@@sobegirl411 As the saying goes, 'Where there is a will there is a way'. At least for my generation. Namaste
I'm almost 70 and have used a lawn chair in the bathtub and used the shower for years now. I have a long history of falls an spinal surgeries, plus my right knee and shoulder have been rebuilt. You can sit in the chair or stand facing it and let the shower flow over your back, shoulders and/or hips ... feels great. I haven't been able to sit in the bathtub and/or get up from that position in a bath tub for over 20 years now. Having the chair there also helps you get out of the bathtub safely.
Maybe you can get shower/bath chair and sit on that in the tub instead of going down into the tub where you might not be able to get out. That and a handheld shower head would solve your problem, with the addition of a removable grab bar on the side of the tub. Amazon is full of these products. You can get a very tall vise-like grab bar that has one or two bars on it and screw it onto the side of the tub and hold onto that as you're stepping out of the tub frome the chair. The best part is that if you have medicare or medicaid, your over the counter drug plan likely includes these items for free from either a local drug store like walgreens with your flex card or from a catalog they send you that you can buy things from (blood pressure monitors, diabetes monitors, shower benches, braces, canes, etc.). Then you don't even have to worry about paying for the fortification of your bathroom to make it safer for you. I would also install a huge rubbermaid mat across the bottom of the tub just in case, as they are very slippery, and put one outside the tub as well so you don't slide on the floor getting out either. You can put grab bars anywhere you feel the need for extra assistance when using bathroom facilities.
@@Netafied Thank you. I have all these things now. Actually, I am still very able to turn onto my hands and knees and grab the bars to pull myself up and out. I really enjoy reading in the bathtub and sitting in the hot water. My problem is something that was present at birth and just gets worse and worse. I am fairly intelligent and have learned over the years what I need to do to keep myself safe. You are very kind to worry about me. I bet your kind suggests will be a big help to others reading your comments.
I'm 66 and trying to stay strong for things like this. I studied martial arts years ago and understand a lot about body motion, acceleration, etc. This is good stuff that all people should practice if they can. Stay moving as much as you can!
Hello how are you doing?
Lovely informative video. I wish I had seen it sooner. I fell on hardwood floor after having both knees replaced & couldn't put weight or stress on them to get up. The book tower would have been perfect. I have both complete series of "Harry Potter" & "Shadowhunters" in hardback. I could have gotten up in a fraction of the time it took me.😀😘
I noticed many comments below from folks in my age range (70's) and older who talk about the loss of strength and stamina that come with ageing. This is one reason why I never stopped exercising. I do 150 minutes weekly, and rotate cardio, strength and flexibility exercises I find online. I use lots that are targeted for seniors, and work within my own range and ability. It's not fun, necessarily, but the alternative is more loss of balance and strength, so I exercise 6 days a week. Start slow, use common sense, and you can regain some independence and confidence in daily life.
Yes, of course. I am 77 and even though I am in great pain, I try to walk at the park a little and do some stretching exercises before I get out of bed and during the day.
Brave. Exercize builďs muscle strength. Regular light exercize keeps it there. Injuries and all. I am 70 pain terribly but exercise daily.
Thank you, this has given me the awareness to keep exercising to be strong enough to help me lift myself off the floor.
Sometimes the fall happens outside and you injured your body. This happened to me...I tripped over something. I just lay there and waited, no phone because I didn't expect to need it so close to the house. First I thanked God it wasn't raining then I told Him that it looked like no one might walk by so early. I decided to take deep breaths and admired the greenery, since that was all I could do. And to my surprise and to the surprise of a nbr who was walking past with his pup, (he did a double take) lol and helped me up. Then I ended up in ER just in case I might have broken something. The lessons learned: Take your phone With you, always watch your step, Pray, keep calm and Breathe.
Love coming here every few weeks to see new comments. Think it’s safe to say what we've always heard....practice makes perfect.
If a person has too much pain....doing nothing won’t improve the condition. Still too much pain, go to Plan B. Most important takeaway from Rhonda’s vid is...try something, but try it. All of us should, instead of a bouquet of flowers, bring our neighbors or relatives some safety devices. Instead of wearing a lovely watch fob, or locket worn at the breast, get a Bobbie's whistle, has a distinctive piercing sound, not much breath needed to activate. There are safety whistles that do require a big breath, but are loud enough to be heard for miles. Instead of a gift of flowers, bring to your loved one, a high beam/strobe light. Wear it if possible on a lanyard, or hang it within reach. Such a nice video because it gets you to thinkin'.
Such a valuable set of ideas
I fell a few months ago and refused to let my husband call for help. It took me an hour but I figured out a way to get up. I've been looking for help like this. Thank you
I fell a few weeks ago going down my front porch steps. I thought the sidewalk was wet, but it was covered with a layer of ice as clear as glass. My feet flew straight out in front of me and my tailbone took the full impact. I think its best not to move right away. Let the initial shock and pain subside enough so you can inventory your body. I was grateful my spine had not hit the steps behind me. I laid down on my back with my knees up. And I shoved my arms beneath my torso with my fists under my buttocks. That was instinctive and I suppose to prevent losing body heat to the ice. I laid there and yelled for awhile in pain and fear at what could be serious injury at 65. I was half hoping someone would hear and come help. But it was the dead of winter and the street was empty. When I felt ready to move, I moved very slowly and did not have difficulty. I took it as a good sign that the pain was all local to that tailbone area. It took a few weeks to fade away. I've had a few bouts of back pain so intense that I wound up in an emergency room. Most of the moves in this video looked too twisty for an attack of back pain. Except I did like the speakers or stack of books idea. I can keep my spine straight with those moves.
Wow.. as hard as it is people need to learn not to freeze when they fall. Google Fall Prevention and start there. It teaches you to bend and fall without stiffening up. When you stiffen or try to brace a fall, more injury occurs. This is a great instructional video for after fall.
Excellent video. At 65, I’m finding it harder to get up off the floor. How did I get this old anyway?
I feel the same way, especially when I remember that my baby is going to be 44 this March. Where did the time go, and why do I feel like a 16 year old inside...until I see myself in the mirror?
My question too! (usually you have no idea you cannot easily get up from the floor anymore, until it happens for the first time to you....hopefully not the LAST time for you.)
but, as someone once reminded me....the ALTERNATIVE to aging is.......yup, not so nice.
HOW OFTEN DO YOU GET GRAVITY ATTACKS?
DRINK LESS WITH THE PILLS MY DOCTOR TOLD ME ANYHOO.
Getting old just sort of snuck up on me, I'm 71 and feeling it. I do stay busy with my wood turning hobby making bowls and boxes and vases and other fun stuff which I sell.
My 91 year old mother was stuck on the floor. I got her standing with the idea in the video of piling books on top of each other. So, thanks very much!
We are happy to learn the video helped you identify a solution to successfully assist your mom up from the floor. We appreciate you taking the time to share your experience with us and with other viewers!
I remember reading about a lady who lived alone on a property.
She was a long distance from the house, fell and fractured her hip.
Took 24 hours to crawl to the house while at risk of wild dogs. Often think of this lady as a role midel
That is mental stamina and a very strong and determined lady.
I've had fractures including a pelvis, but continued to walk for a week.
A lot of pain control is in mind.
always carry a charged cell phone or personal "siren" to make noise!
this just reminded me of when I slipped on a wet floor in the bathroom 🙄 I new I had broken something and I was alone, I did drag myself out backwards and into the lounge room to the arm chair with great difficulty & pain I pulled myself up backwards with my Arms. It turned out to be a spiral fracture Not Good... but watching this video I can see how very important to try to get up from the floor the Correct Way. Stay upright everyone!! 😉 Thank you for this information. 👏👏👏👏
Moo
This video is helpful to me. During a recent fall I landed on my bum and into a small old box which partially collapsed and created a wall surrounding me and hindered me from rolling over and onto my hands and knees. What's more, I kept slipping on the carpet as I tried to get up. It took a bit of maneuvering until I was able to use the end board of my bed to pull myself up.
Super video ,excellent content😊 .. thank you madam. I fell and stayed on the floor for...four hours, I will try this out with my occupational theraphist, book tower is an excellent idea, you can keep something arranged for an imergency
Blessings
I'm young I'm still in my late twenties but because of my running I've had to have both knees replaced so I can't put pressure on my knees at all and I've fallen a few times always alone
Each time I've used a few of these techniques depending where I am and they've always worked so thank you
Love some of the options. Maybe they won’t work for every situation, but it does give you something to think about, maybe even reach for a phone.Thank you for your ideas, they could save a life.
I’m 80 y/o and I have fallen a few times. Had a hard time getting up because I have bad knees. After viewing this video I’m going to watch it over and over again.(hope I can remember where I saw it 🧓🏾).
Click the button up top and you can SAVE it to watch later.
I hear ya. I'm going to take notes and try to sketch some of the moves/positions because I might forget, too.
I'm 78 and overweight, but I think I can do most of these. People try to help you by pulling you up. With me that never works, I have to push up like these exercises. illustrate. Thanks for the tips.
You're welcome! Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with us and others.
2 weeks ago, I fell when my cane/stool combo broke (and both hips are nearly useless.) Luckily, a small box tightly packed with CDs was nearby, and it helped me gain enough leverage so that I could push up on my knees and grab hold of a doorknob to pull myself up. So glad that I never bothered to unpack those CDs when we moved!
Thank you for great suggestions. I am a respiratory therapist and have seen patients brought into the ED who have fallen and been down for estimated days. Anything a person can do to help themselves and call for aid as quickly as possible is good to know.
One year ago as a 79 year old, I woke from a day nap and could not move! Having no phone ( I HATE PHONES!), could not speak and barely move, it took 12+ hours to "wiggle" from the recliner to a computer 8 feet away. Once in the computer chair, took another hour to open email and after numerous tries to type ONE word to a local friend (HELP!), she understood and called an ambulance. After 7 days in a hospital, the stroke was controlled and relearning began. As an afterthought, If I could have reached for my car keys (6 feet away), I could have pressed the "panic" button to alert a neighbor 100 feet away to the beeping horn. I now have a "Medic Alert" to signal for help if needed.
The excellent advice in this video may save YOUR life someday!
Bless your heart 🤗
Great video! I have fallen a few times & although i'm only 59, i have a weak leg & if on the floor, have great difficulty getting up. I think all senior citizen centers, nursing homes, assisted living facilities should show this to their residents.
Agreed, I am 57 and I have sacroiliac dysfunction and my right side is weaker, I am going to try these.
These are all wonderful ideas to help us if/when we fall. My problem is one of arthritic knees and limited ability to use my knees. I have used upper arms and the scooting method. But, getting myself up from the floor to a sitting position is what's very difficult.
That's my problem also, I have had a number of bad falls, two broken legs, not both at once thank goodness, and I'm now waiting for a knee replacement. If I fall again, I don't think I will ever get up!
This all looks easy for her . She's young thin, has strong arms and legs and back.
Older people fall with no arm strength. Weak or partial use of legs. And over weight.
Most have trouble getting out of chairs. These tactics are worth learning if you can do them. I recommend an alert button
You wear it and fire dept get you up at no cost if it's just to get you up and not transport to hosp.
I have a tendency of falling.
I'm a 75 year old woman.
Thank you, I learned a lot.
I'll remember that for next time.
This lady is young and has strength in her arm not 80 years old.
And she is much thinner than many seniors!
Yeah! 😊😊😊
10 years ago maybe not now😮
If you keep up your exercise, you will not be weak at 80. Check out Jane Fonda, at 85. If you let yourself go, you'll be weak at 65.
I teach fall recovery everyday to seniors at our facility and many have used these techniques to get up. Average age at our facility is 90
I'm 68 and never thought this would be a problem. Now I realize that it is. Getting old sucks.
It does suck xx
I was outside in the flower bed, used the bookshelf method with the bricks that lined the flowerbed and was able to build my sitting position high enough to be able to get up! And I was 67 years old at the time. I weighed 180 lbs. AND was still recovering from Covid so I wasn’t at my strongest. But I wasn’t giving up! 😊
I only have one arm, hand and shoulder that works. My worst fall left me lying on the road for over an hour. The next one was in a deep bathtub. I broke two ribs getting out of that bath. It was either the ribs or I would have died in the tub as there was no other way out. Even that took hours to achieve. Unfortunately none of these would have worked but hopefully most are not as disabled.
Goodness, I hope you are ok and on the mend. You need a nice low 'walk in shower' with a plastic chair to sit on, to help you be less prone to falling. I'm in my early 60's and thank god the last few times I fell, I got shaken up, but am flexible (clutzy) that through out life I've more or less learned how to roll with the fall and not get injured. My nephew who is 31 was talking about how traumatic it was for him70self when he fell recently. I had to have a little chuckle, and told him it only gets more traumatic each decade that you live, the falls get more painful. When my grandmother was in her 70s she fell on a walk in the mountains, thankfully my father was with her, and he must have been in his 40's and he is a big football player type. He carried her down the mountain. My grandmother was more or less ok, but had a lot of bruised ribs and she said it hurt a lot when she had to breathe deeply.
This is the best video I’ve seen so far! I’m over weight and don’t have a lot of upper body strength but I think I can do one of these! I’m going to practice the next time my son comes for a visit. Thank you!!!
all good except my legs won't work
I have used the door and my cane.usually I fall and hit the crown of my head. I actually have a dent in my crown.lucky. i never hit hard e ough to be knocked out. thank God
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Good on you for practicing!
These are great if your young or have something near to use. I have no strength in my arm or back. My last fall was in the laundry room with nothing near by to help. My daughter finally found me and helped. I hope your video helps others. Maybe a video for the elderly who was little furniture etc. I have none of the furniture in this video. Hugs and prayers and thanks for the help for those will be able to use the ideas.
Your Video is one of the best I have seen. I work with Government Program in Fall Prevention for our Senior community. Well done./
Thank you for making & sharing this video.
I have knee pt next week. Bone on bone knee pain. Today I fell walking uphill by the driveway and was so embarrassed. Luckily I had my phone and called my brother to come help me. I was bitten by a few ants but no injuries. Good thing I have a chiropractor appointment this week.
There was nothing for me to use to get up. It was uphill walking in the yard Guess it’s time for a rollerball walker