I’ve been reminded that getting up after a fall is a lot harder than it might appear. This is true; no way to sugar coat stiff joints and waning strength, but you still have to figure out how to get up or at least get help after a fall.
Regardless of age or physical strength you have to be self sufficient if you live alone. Give some thought to what you need to be able to do if you end up on the floor.
Take a few minutes to get your bearings. If you can wiggle your fingers and toes, bend your knees, or move without pain you can go ahead and try to get to a chair. If you are in pain you will still have to move enough to get to your phone (hopefully it is in your pocket) or find your medical alert bracelet (hopefully on your wrist).
The key to the whole situation is practice. Practice when you have someone there with you; your grandkids will be thrilled to help. If you are afraid to try this on your own ask your Doctor for a Physical Therapy Consultation. These fine people will not only teach you how to get up but they will give you exercises that can make you stronger.
Let’s run through the very basics again:
• Roll over on your side
• Use your arms, hands and legs to get to your hands and knees
• Slowly crawl to a chair
• Place your hand on the chair and slide one foot forward so that it is flat on the floor (lunge position)
• Slowly rise and turn body so that you can sit in the chair
This is an overly simplified version but it will give you an idea about how easy it can be.
Get over the idea that you are too young or too old to need a medical alert system. Keep your phone and/or alert system on you at all times. You never know, at any age, when something unexpected is going to happen.
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