If someone has fallen and is hurt, has hit their head, or cannot move, do not try to get them up. Call 000.
Why getting up from the floor matters
Time spent on the floor after a fall can be distressing, and the worry about it can lead people to move less, which may make everyday jobs harder over time. Our post on fear of falling after a near miss explores that cycle. Having a plan, and having practised it, can help people feel more in control at home.
What a home physio looks at first
Every visit starts with the person, not a set routine. Before any floor practice, your physio will usually:
- Ask about any past falls, pain, joint replacements or conditions that affect movement.
- Check strength, balance and how you manage getting up from a chair. Our guide to sit-to-stand at home explains why this is a useful starting point.
- Look at your home: where a fall would be most likely, and which steady furniture is nearby, such as a firm lounge or a solid chair.
- Decide together whether floor practice is right for you now, later, or not at all.
How practice usually builds up
Practice is gradual and supervised. The physio may start well above the floor, for example moving between the bed or lounge and a lower surface, before ever practising from the floor itself. A typical progression might include:
1. Pausing and checking
Learning to stay still for a moment, breathe, and check for pain or injury before moving.
2. Rolling and getting onto hands and knees
Practising rolling onto your side, then moving to hands and knees if that is comfortable. Cushions or a folded towel under the knees can help.
3. Crawling to steady support
Moving towards a firm chair or lounge rather than trying to stand straight up from the middle of the floor.
4. Getting up with support
Using the chair to come up into a half kneel, then turning to sit. The physio guides each step and stops if anything does not feel right.
The exact method depends on the person. Some people need a different approach because of hips, knees or shoulders, and that is part of what the physio works out with you.
When getting up is not the plan
For some people, getting up alone is not suitable. In that case the plan may cover keeping a phone or personal alarm within reach, how to keep warm and comfortable on the floor, and who to call. This is especially important for clients living alone.
Building strength between visits
An exercise physiologist can help with the strength and stamina that make getting up easier, such as leg strength and getting up and down from lower surfaces. Many clients see a physio first and then an EP, or use both. Our post on falls prevention at home covers more everyday steps.
Involving family and care managers
Visits are available any day, including Saturdays, so family members can watch and learn how to help without lifting. Same physio wherever possible, so progress can be compared from one visit to the next. If the client is on Support at Home, the care manager at your registered provider can include physio as part of the client's supports. Alera is not a registered Support at Home provider; we work as an associated provider alongside the client's registered provider. Private clients and families can enquire directly, and DVA clients are welcome to ask about eligibility on enquiry. We do not offer occupational therapy or NDIS services.
Next step
Worried about falling and not being able to get up? Book a 15-minute call to talk it through. Care managers can use our referrals page.
Call 040 55 77 555 or email admin@alerahealthcare.com.au.
FAQ
Can a physio teach an older person how to get up after a fall?
Yes, where it suits the person. An in-home physio first checks strength, balance and any health conditions, then practises a method step by step, often starting from higher surfaces such as the bed or lounge before working towards the floor.
What should you do if an elderly person falls and cannot get up?
If they are hurt, have hit their head or cannot move, do not lift them. Call 000. Keep them warm and comfortable until help arrives. A physio can help plan for this situation ahead of time.
Is floor practice suitable for everyone?
Not always. Some people should not practise getting up from the floor alone. In that case the physio focuses on getting help quickly and staying comfortable, and on building strength over time.
Can family members be there for the visit?
Yes. Visits can be booked any day, including Saturdays, so family can attend and learn how to support without lifting.
Who can enquire about falls physio at home in Sydney?
Clients, families and care managers at registered providers can all enquire about in-home physio across Sydney Metro. DVA clients can ask about eligibility on enquiry. We do not offer occupational therapy or NDIS services.