A fall can be one of the most frightening moments for families caring for an aging loved one. In fact, falls are one of the leading causes of injury among seniors—and they often signal that additional support may be needed at home.
If your parent or loved on has fallen, knowing what to do next can make all the difference in their recovery and safety.
At BrightStar Care of Westfield and Summit, NJ, we help families throughout Union County navigate situations just like this with compassionate, professional in-home care.
Step 1: Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
Before helping your loved one up, take a moment to evaluate:
- Are they conscious and responsive?
- Are they complaining of pain (especially hip, head, or back)?
- Is there any bleeding or visible injury?
Do NOT move them if you suspect a serious injury such as a fracture or head trauma.
Step 2: Call for Help if Needed
Call 911 immediately if your parent:
- Hit their head
- Cannot get up
- Is experiencing severe pain
- Seems confused or disoriented
Even if the fall seems minor, it’s often best to follow up with their doctor or visit a local hospital such as Overlook Medical Center or Trinitas Regional Medical Center for evaluation.
Step 3: Help Them Up Safely (If No Serious Injury)
If they are not seriously hurt:
- Help them roll onto their side
- Assist them into a crawling position
- Guide them to a sturdy chair
- Slowly help them sit and rest
Take your time—rushing can cause further injury.
Step 4: Monitor for Symptoms After the Fall
Even after they’re up, watch closely for:
- Dizziness or weakness
- Bruising or swelling
- Changes in behavior or confusion
- Difficulty walking
Some injuries (especially head injuries) may not show symptoms right away.
Step 5: Understand Why the Fall Happened
Falls are often a warning sign. Ask yourself:
- Was it due to poor balance?
- Medication side effects?
- Clutter or hazards in the home?
- Weakness or mobility issues?
Identifying the cause is key to preventing future falls.
Step 6: Make the Home Safer
Simple changes can significantly reduce fall risk:
- Remove loose rugs and clutter
- Install grab bars in bathrooms
- Improve lighting throughout the home
- Encourage use of walkers or canes if needed
Step 7: Consider Professional Home Care Support
After a fall, many families realize their loved one may need extra help. At BrightStar Care of Westfield and Summit, NJ, we provide:
- Fall prevention support
- Assistance with walking and transfers
- Medication reminders
- Personal care and daily support
- Post-hospital recovery care
Our trained caregivers help seniors stay safe, independent, and comfortable at home.
When a Fall Means It’s Time for Help
If your loved one has:
- Fallen more than once
- Started moving less due to fear of falling
- Difficulty with balance or mobility
- Recently been discharged from the hospital
…it may be time to consider in-home care.
Serving Families Throughout Union County, NJ
We proudly serve families in:
- Westfield
- Summit
- Cranford
- Scotch Plains
- Clark
Contact BrightStar Care Today
If your parent has experienced a fall, you don’t have to navigate this alone. BrightStar Care of Westfield & Summit, NJ is here to help you create a safe plan moving forward.
Call us today at 908-322-8200. Contact us to learn more about our home care services.