[Are old patients able to get up from the floor?].

BACKGROUND

Inability to get up from the floor after an accidental fall is a frightening and potentially dangerous experience. Especially elderly individuals living alone are exposed to this.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

In a geriatric five-day ward 206 patients living alone were tested for their ability to rise from the floor. This was carried out under safe conditions in a training room. Those who failed were offered instruction and training given by a physiotherapist, up to five sessions. The training programme is described.

RESULTS

154 patients (75%) were able to get up unaided within two minutes. The time needed varied considerably. Of the 52 who failed 39 accepted training, and 22 finally managed to get up independently.

INTERPRETATION: Teaching elderly patients living alone how to get up from the floor is often successful and will probably reduce the risk of being unable to get up for an extended period of time.