How to Lift a Disabled Person off the Floor Safely
If you care for someone with a disability, it’s essential to know how to lift a disabled person off the floor safely. Whether the person is on the floor due to a fall or for any other reason, using safe lifting techniques and equipment is critical both for the safety of the disabled individual and the safety of the caregiver.
When the fallen person is in extreme pain, is larger than you, or lacks the muscle strength to support their own weight, lifting can be particularly challenging. Understanding safe practices is a good start, but if you don’t have the right equipment or can’t lift the person by yourself, call another strong person or the emergency services for help rather than putting your back and the disabled person at risk.
Equipment for Helping People Up Off the Floor
If a disabled or elderly person falls frequently due to a medical condition, it might be worth investing in equipment to help you pick them up. Professional equipment helps to ensure a safe return to a seated position or a standing position and reduces the chance of further injury or of the caregiver incurring an injury.
There are various human lift options that can cater to different physical needs:
Hoyer Lifts
Hoyer lifts, also known as patient lifts, can help disabled people stand up from a seated position or after a fall. It's important for caregivers to receive professional training before operating a patient lift at home because improper use can cause the disabled person to become injured.
(Quick note: Hoyer lifts are so called because the most famous manufacturer is Hoyer, but other brands of patient lifts are also available. In our Denver, Colorado showroom, we stock patient lifts made by Bestcare, Lumex, and Hoyer.)
If you will be caring for an elderly or disabled person temporarily, patient lift rental might make more sense than purchasing one outright. If you’re thinking about buying or renting a patient lift for people who are prone to falling, keep in mind that not all patient lifts are equipped to pick people up off the floor due to their limited lifting ranges; ask a disability or senior home safety specialist for help when choosing a patient lift for dealing with falls.
Indeelift Human Floor Lift
The Indeelift Human Floor Lift was designed to help lift a disabled or elderly person up after a fall, either at home or in an assistive care facility. Indeelifts can also be used to transfer disabled and elderly people from couches, chairs, beds, or exercise mats to another surface that involves a change in height.
These lifts are easy to use and maintain the dignity of the individual. They also save the back of the person’s caregiver. These lifts and other similar models are suitable for patients with depleted leg muscles, neuromuscular diseases, and elderly people who are prone to falls.
Lifting Cushion Portable Lifts
A lifting cushion is a portable and compact alternative to a patient lift. It is designed to help disabled or elderly people get back onto their feet after a fall. Unlike a patient lift, which may require a significant amount of space to use, it's possible to use a lifting cushion anywhere in the house because they are lightweight and battery-powered.
A lifting cushion slowly inflates to lift a person from a lying to a sitting position. This is done gently so as not to cause injury. A lifting cushion can also be used to lift a disabled person from a seated position to a standing position.
How to Use a Lifting Cushion in the Case of a Fall
If the fallen person is able to shuffle onto the cushion from a lying position, the cushion can then be slowly inflated and raised to a position from which standing is possible. A caregiver should stand behind the disabled person as the cushion inflates to ensure that they stay securely on the cushion. The caregiver can then help the disabled person transfer onto a sofa or chair, or to come to a standing position.
How to Pick Up a Disabled Person off the Floor Manually
Before attempting a manual lift, make sure that you know to pull somebody up off the floor safely. Using correct lifting techniques will help to prevent injury, especially to your back, and will ensure the safest lift for the patient.
Most importantly, don't hesitate to ask for help from a professional, a family member, a trusted neighbor, or the emergency services if you think that attempting the lift will put you or the fallen person at risk of injury.
Steps to Take When Someone Falls
Follow these steps for a safer lift:
Before getting the person up, check for pain, discomfort, or injury. It's very important to determine whether the fallen person has sustained any injuries during their fall. Moving them if they have an injury can lead to further injury or pain. If the individual is confused, agitated, or in shock, try to calm them down by talking to them and asking them to take deep, slow breaths.
If the person is able to do so, ask them to roll onto their hands and knees. Help them to do so if they are unable.
Move a stable piece of furniture such as a chair or bed next to them. If using a chair, use one with non-slip legs such as a dining room chair.
Move the disabled person into a kneeling position. They may be able to do this themselves, or you may need to help if they lack the required strength. You may wish to pause here in case the disabled person has experienced any lightheadedness.
Ask the person to grab onto the piece of furniture strongly with both hands. Slowly lift them to a standing position, or help them to raise themselves to the height of a chair or sofa so that they can sit. Depending on the strength they have in their arms and legs, it may not be necessary to use force to help them stand but rather to support them as they stand up. People with weakened muscles may require more assistance.
When helping disabled patients get up after a fall, it’s important to remember that each person's disability may affect how easy it is to help them up. When in doubt, always ask for assistance.
Things to Consider Before Attempting to Lift Somebody off the Floor
Make sure you know the best practices for lifting or moving someone before attempting any heavy lifting. Before trying to move someone, it's best to ask yourself:
Have they asked for help?
Do you know how heavy they are and are you capable of moving that weight?
Are you healthy enough to be the one that moves them?
Is there anyone else you can call to help you with the lift?
Is there enough space around you to move the person safely and effectively?
Are there any obstacles that could get in the way?
Is the surface under the person slippery? (If so, don’t attempt the lift.)
If you decide that you are capable of moving the person, keep these safety rules in mind:
Never lift above your shoulder height.
Keep your feet firmly planted on the ground.
Keep a firm hold of the person.
Keep any weight close to your body.
Keep your back straight and bend your knees when lifting the person.
Lift the person as smoothly as possible.
Tips for Preventing Falls at Home
In the case of family members who could fall at home, prevention is always better than cure. Making any necessary home modifications and investing in safety equipment can help to prevent falls and injuries before they occur.
Home Adaptations to Prevent Falls
People with disabilities may need more or fewer adaptations to their homes depending on their condition. However, there are some home modifications that you can make quickly and affordably to help prevent falls.
The National Institute on Aging recommends these strategies for preventing falls at home:
Remove throw rugs or small carpets from the floor—these can be a trip hazard.
Install grab bars anywhere where extra stability is needed, especially in slippery spaces such as the bathroom or the kitchen.
Add non-slip material to the floor on stairs and in baths and showers.
Keep electrical cords or other items that can cause trips away from walkways and passages.
Keep areas well-lit, especially stairways and any areas of the house that the person may need access to at night.
When to Call the Emergency Services in the Case of a Fall
If a disabled person falls and it's too difficult to pick them up, or they're in considerable pain, don't hesitate to call for help from a medical professional. Lifting a disabled person off the floor is a maneuver that can cause serious injury to them as well as you if done improperly or without the right level of caution.
In the following situations, call for an ambulance:
If they have heavy bleeding or bleeding from the head
If they have sustained painful or widespread bruising
If they may have sustained a spinal cord injury
If they're in severe pain
If they are confused or can't express themselves normally
If the person has lost consciousness or if consciousness is sporadic
If you’re in doubt, it's best to err on the side of caution to avoid any potential complications from the initial fall and to ensure that the disabled person gets the follow-up care they need.
Avoiding Injury and Seeking Medical Help (If Needed) Are the Top Priorities When Helping Someone off the Floor After a Fall
Though your first instinct may be to help the person get up off the floor after a fall, it's not always the safest option. Trying to help someone yourself in some situations can do more harm than good; if in doubt, call a medical professional who can help you assist the fallen person quickly and safely.
For loved ones with conditions that can lead to frequent falls, a mixture of fall prevention and professional equipment is the best course of action for both the disabled person and their caregiver. Experts in home mobility equipment can advise you on equipment that can help you pick someone up after a fall and also help you find home safety equipment that can help to prevent falls in the first place.