🆘 Fall / Physical Emergency · 4 steps · Act fast

They've fallen. Don't lift them yet — start here.

Stay with them and go step by step. This is what to check before anyone tries to get up.

A calm-steps card from ourturn.care/help

1. 1

   Don't move them

   Unless they're in immediate danger (fire, water), don't try to lift or move them. You could worsen an injury.

   • Get down to their level — kneel beside them
   • Reassure them: "I'm here, you're safe"
   • Check for visible injury — bleeding, swelling, odd limb position
2. 2

   Can they get up?

   If there's no obvious injury and they want to try getting up, help them do it slowly in stages — roll to side, get to hands and knees, use a sturdy chair.

   • Are they alert and responsive?
   • Any obvious injury or pain?
   • Can they move all limbs?
   • Did they hit their head?
3. 3

   Call for help if...

   Head injury, can't get up, severe pain, confusion worse than usual, or bleeding that won't stop. Don't hesitate — falls in older adults are medical emergencies.

4. 4

   After the fall

   Even if they seem fine, log this event and mention it to their doctor. Repeated falls can indicate medication issues, vision problems, or progression of the disease.

These steps are things other families try — not medical advice. Every person is different, and you know yours best.