May 01st, 2020

Getting yourself up from the floor

Currently, one in seven New Zealanders are 65 years and over. Around 30% to 60% of people in this age group have a fall each year. And 10% to 20% will end up in hospital with a fracture.
 
Those over the age of 85 are 15 times more likely to fracture their hip in a fall than a 65-year-old. Hip fractures can have a huge impact, with 30% of those over 85 who suffer one, requiring placement in aged residential care.
 
It’s important for those of us who are ageing and those around you, to know how to get up off the floor if you are not badly injured. The majority of calls to London ambulances from over 65 year olds are for help after a fall.  Of these, 40% do not need hospitalisation – they simply cannot get up from the floor. 
Many carers hurt themselves, and the person they are trying to get up off the floor, because of lack of knowledge. 
 
To avoid further injury, here are some tips on how to get yourself or help someone up from the floor:

Our friendly Physiotherapists recommend all older people, their families and carers practise getting up from the floor regularly, before you need to do so, after a fall. 
 
If you want advice on falls prevention our friendly Physiotherapists can help, just contact us here at .Therapy Professionals

        Ph:                  03 377 5280
        Email:            admin@tpl.nz
        Website:       www.therapyprofessionals.co.nz