After the Fall: How to Stay Safe Until Help Arrives

As we age, falling becomes a bigger fear and it’s not unrealistic to be concerned. Studies show that one in four people between 65 and 74 will fall each year. That number goes up to one in three for people 75+. And if you’ve fallen once, your odds are increased for falling again.

Falling can lead to serious injuries, loss of independence and costly medical bills. When you’re unable to get up or get help quickly, that “long lie” makes the situation even more dangerous. Untended injuries, dehydration, anxiety and elevated blood pressure increase the risks that a fall will lead to hospitalization, nursing home admission, and even death.

But there are some things you can do to keep yourself safe in case of a fall:

1. Staying Calm - First and foremost, don’t panic. Take some deep breaths or count to 20. If you can’t summon help and you can’t get up, then at least get some rest. Nothing good comes from a panic attack.
2. Staying Well - Until help arrives, do your best to keep yourself from further harm. Stay hydrated if you can. Keep in mind the bathtub might be easier to reach than a sink. Keep yourself warm. And move as much as you can, to prevent pressure sores. 
3. Getting Up - it’s not always possible to get up after a fall, but it might help to know it’s easier to get up from a kneeling position. If you can, roll over and try to ease yourself to your hands and knees. Use a nearby piece of furniture for support as you try to regain your feet.
4. Attracting Attention - if you can’t get up, but still have some mobility, roll or crawl to the door or a window, where you have a better chance to be heard by a neighbor or delivery person. Bang, shout, or do whatever you can to attract their attention.
5. Checking In - Consider setting up a daily check-in call with a loved one. Even 24 hours can be a dangerous time to wait for injuries to be treated, without access to food, water, or bathroom facilities. But a daily check-in can prevent a wait from being much longer. And most importantly, it can make sure your timely rescue is not just a matter of luck. 

And the best tip of all:

Get MyNotifi - MyNotifi is a wearable device that automatically detects if you’ve fallen, and contacts a list of your family and friends to let them know you may need help. MyNotifi is worn clipped to your belt, or on your wrist. It works automatically, so you don’t need to be conscious, mobile, or able to use a phone to get help when you need it. There are no monthly fees. No call centers. If your MyNotifi detects that you've fallen, it contacts family and friends that you'e selected. And MyNotifi does even more than that. Should you need help for any reason, tapping repeatedly on your MyNotifi lets you request assistance any time, for any reason. It works with your smartphone, so it goes with you, wherever you go.

Stay independent. Stay safe. And stay in charge, with MyNotifi. Find out more at www.mynotifi.com.