Originally Posted by
Stitchnripper
Well that was interesting. My observation is that the fallen person needs a lot of strength in their core, arms and hips to get up from some of those positions. And the right objects to assist. Who has a sofa that has a pull out bed to lean on, or speakers that are not wired and right where we fall? I practice getting up without using my arms. It isn't always possible but I can do it a lot of the time. I suggest getting on the floor and figuring out how to get up, with whatever your body can do, and with whatever items you have handy, assuming no injuries from the fall. And practice this.
I would add: Practice when you have someone around who can help you! If you're old or have physical limitations don't get down to pin that quilt while you're alone, or at least not without a charged phone nearby.
Also, the point needs to be made that most of the people who get into these kinds of jams are not nearly as fit as the young woman in the video, and we all need to plan ahead for a time when we will be less mobile, if we're lucky enough to live that long. Have a phone on you and keep it charged, or wear an emergency call button. If you're alone, have a buddy system where you check on your friend at least daily.
My DH came within an inch of falling off a steep 2-story roof one time in his 60's when I was out of town. He got a notice from the satellite company we'd switched from that he was to return some equipment. I'd already got them to agree on the phone that we didn't put it up there and we weren't taking it down at our age, but DH didn't get the word about that, he just read the form letter and thinks he can do anything he could do in his 20's. My point is: know your limitations and consider possible dangers.
Get basic safety aids such as a stair rail on both sides of the stairs, grab bar by the tub or shower, salt or cat litter to sprinkle ahead of you if you must walk on wet or icy walks, good lighting where needed, removing interior thresholds and loose rugs, etc., and above all - for anyone of any age - clear a path from your bed to the bathroom and nearest exit in case you have to get up in the dark, whether just to go to the bathroom or to escape a fire. Consider whether the corner of your quilt may have slid down onto the floor right where you're walking. Sadly, our pets are a frequent tripping hazard also, so it's always necessary to be vigilant, especially in the dark.
Finally, I just can't resist pointing out that most older fall victims are not likely to be wearing chunky heels that would make a loud rap on a door, and who would respond to that unless it went on and on for hours? I live in house slippers most of the time when home. I could make about as much noise as a butterfly with those. Also, most of my younger neighbors are gone during the day, and no amount of noise would be likely to get attention from the few people who pass by, such as the mail carrier who pulls up to a curbside box for 2 seconds. We just really, really need to focus on prevention and a way to get help if we can't get up.