elderly fall and possible injuries?

Question

If an elderly person falls from losing their balance and hits their head but insists that they are not injured and refuses to be checked out, what should the caregiver do? look for?

Answer 1

observe the patient 24 hours for any abnormality, if you see something wrong, bring her to a doctor asap for a thorogh check up, never put the patient to sleep for the next couple of hours, because it is a head injury, and advice the patient that it would be best to be checjed by a doctor.:)

Answer 2

I'm a caregiver to my mom. She has fell I can't guess the times never took her to the doctor, until she broke her hip. She is stubborn too but she loves to go to the doctor. She craves the attention. I always just call the nurse she asks the doctor and 98% of the time they say just watch her for 24 hours and if she gets dizzy don't let her sleep and call the doc back.
Guess mom has a hard head like me. Give me some headache pills and I'll be fine. I know why ur so concerned of their age. Moms 84 and going through Alzheimer's.Just remember how u was when u was little and hurt yourself, did mom take u every time u got a bump? If she did u stay at the doctors or emergency room all the time. Just keep a close eye and ask questions u know they know. Just like u would a child.

Answer 3

It sounds like someone is being really stubborn! First of all tell the person that it is entirely possible that their hip broke, then they fell, and this needs to be checked out by the doctor. You can call the doc or nurse and have them talk to the person about possible injuries. I would call someone right away and at least report what has happened, the ER possibly. They can tell you what to watch for. I had an experience like this when a relative was bitten by a spider and wouldn't tell anyone until the swelling started. Of course, it was a brown recluse and what a mess, ER visit and all. But they fought us all the way. As the caregiver, you have the obligation to seek medical attention. Best of luck to you!!

Answer 4

I think it's always better to err on the safe side. Perhaps it would be helpful to remind the elderly person how an injury can escalate if not detected immediately.
I'd also like to suggest some options for avoiding future falls. I write for the GIlbert Guide blog, and I recently wrote a post in tribute to one of my favorite old commercials (I've fallen and I can't get up!) Here are some suggestion for preventing future falls:

It's important to keep electrical wiring either stapled along the walls or secured under furniture, which should be arranged to provide ample walking space. Throw rugs and loose carpet should either be secured to the floor or removed completely. And although slippers may be comfortable, it’s advisable to wear sturdy shoes with non-slip soles. Seniors can also do their part keeping phones in every room in the house, practicing tai chi or yoga to improve balance and strength, and by getting routine eye and ear exams.

I hope this information helps you in the future.

Answer 5

for one as soon as they fall notify the charge nurse and they will take it from there usually they will have them squeeze there fingers with both hands to see if there's a problem they'll have them move there legs and arms for possible injury and they will ask them a series of question from where does it hurt and if there OK they will monitor them and do there vitals every 15 min then every half hour to every hour till they know that everything is all write but whatever you do don't get the resident up till the charge nurse is there and the supervisor leave the person in whatever position he fell in till they check him put and they will tell you what to do