Overview
If a care recipient falls, your priority is to keep them safe, assess the situation and seek the appropriate help. Never put yourself or the care recipient at risk by attempting to lift them manually.
If a Care recipient falls
Stay calm and reassure the care recipient.
Do not move them immediately.
Check for signs of injury before deciding what to do next.
Follow the care recipient's moving and handling plan if it is safe and appropriate to assist them.
Never manually lift a care recipient from the floor. Use approved equipment or techniques only if you have been trained to do so.
Call 999 immediately if the Care recipient:
Is unconscious or difficult to wake.
Has difficulty breathing.
Has severe pain.
Has a suspected broken bone or dislocation.
Has a suspected head injury.
Has heavy bleeding.
Cannot move after the fall.
Shows signs of a stroke or heart attack.
Has hit their head while taking anticoagulant medication (such as Warfarin, Apixaban, Rivaroxaban, Dabigatran or Edoxaban), unless their care plan states otherwise.
Do not move the care recipient unless they are in immediate danger.
If there is no serious injury
If the care recipient appears uninjured and it is safe to do so:
Assist them in line with their moving and handling plan.
Continue to monitor their condition.
Report the fall to the Care Management Team as soon as it is safe.
Seek medical advice if required.
Record the incident in the daily notes.
Complete an Incident Report.
After every fall
You must:
Notify the office/Care Management Team.
Update the care records.
Complete an Incident Report.
Report any changes in the care recipient's condition immediately.
The care recipient's falls risk assessment and care plan will be reviewed following the incident.
Remember
✅ Stay with the care recipient and offer reassurance.
✅ Work within your training and competence.
✅ Never manually lift a care recipient from the floor.
✅ When in doubt, seek advice or call 999 if you believe the care recipient has suffered a serious injury.
If you are ever unsure what to do following a fall, contact the Care Management Team immediately for guidance.