How to get up from the floor (after a fall) - MacGyver style!

Watch how Homeability.com founder and Occupational Therapist Rhonda B. teaches creative "out of the box" thinking for getting up from the floor after a fall in the home!
The video, meant for seniors and people with balance problems, raises awareness that common items in the household can often be turned into surprisingly effective makeshift fall-rescue tools.
To learn more about falls and fall recovery, check out the follow-up article on our website: homeability.com/get-up-after-f...
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[@vanessabrown28]

Only 2 days after watching this video I actually tripped over in a car park and fell full length. I asked my partner to get the esky out of the car and was able to easily get myself upright by using this. Thank you

[@homeabilitycom]

Sorry to hear you fell! We are happy to hear the video helped you find your own "MacGyver" inspired solution to get yourself back upright. Thank you for taking the time to share your story!

[@MJLeger-yj1ww]

Get WHAT out of the car? What is an "esky?" And what if you fall out in the yard, away from ANYTHING?! i fell on my back out in the yard recently, and was able to turn over, get on all fours, and push myself up, but I don't know how long I'll be able to do that, so far, so good, but I'm heavier now and I've had a knee replacement. I've started carrying my cell phone with me when I go out to the big back (pasture) but I guess I'd have to crawl to a fence and help myself up, in time. I just started doing some exercises to strengthen old muscles that used to be strong when I was an athlete! This helpful video has encouraged me to exercise more so I won't worry about falling and not being able to get up again! That's really scary! I've learned to slow down (I rushed my whole life!) that's been difficult, but I tripped once on a cobblestone and flew up and crashed into my garage and broke my upper right arm so WILL slow down now and watch where my feet are going, it does help a lot!

[@vanessabrown28]

An esky is a common term in Australia for a cool box. Obviously it isn't an international term since you don't seem to know what one is. It also doesn't matter what it is but it provided the means for me to get up. Yes you could always ask the questions you put forward. My point was that the video made me think outside the box and was pertinent to my situation.

[@freewill1114]

So, an esky is an ice chest/cooler?

[@homeabilitycom]

[See Vanessa's explantion above.] An “esky" is another name for a portable cooler -- an insulated container used for keeping food and drinks cool (aka ice box, ice chest, cool box, chilly bin). Vanessa definitely demonstrated fantastic MacGyver-style “out of the box thinking” skills when using the cooler in her car trunk as an aid to get herself up.

[@pegparrish3512]

When my mother fell and my sister couldn’t get her up, she remembered the aero bed we had. She laid it on the floor, rolled my mother on to it and inflated the bed. My mom then sat up, swung her legs over and stood up. I thought that was genius!

[@MA-un1mj]

@Peg, Rock on!

[@tammysmith2827]

Thank you for the information

[@Rach88]

Thank you so much , it just helped my partner who has severe mobility issues after he fell on the floor. You just saved us ringing a ambulance thank you from the bottom of my heart ❤️ xx

[@arniemoriarty4110]

Such a clever idea

[@dmsmith57]

Great ideas! Thank you.

[@ajmheb5]

I am elderly, over weight, and disabled with knee replacements, pinched sciatic nerve and bad hips. I fell yesterday, and hip scooted to the bed, grabbed a pillow, twisted around and put my bad knee on the pillow, dragged my right foot( with fused big toe and ankle) into place with my right hand) then pushed with arms and leg to get off the floor. Hell yes it hurt, but I persevered. My dignity and independence is very important to me. I say thank you to the young lady for taking time to help us old folks, no matter what shoes she had on. If you don’t try, you die!

[@strwbryparfait3889]

These were great! As an RN I have taken care of elderly hospitalized after falls, not from the fall, but from staying down. Learning to keep your wits and use what you do have is so important! I knew one lady who fell outside and scooted on her bottom and pulled herself up using a small tree. We all need to encourage elderly to use what they DO have and not give up. Outstanding video IMO 😊

[@mervyndykes5845]

I was a bit disappointed in some of the comments to this video. Yes, the young lady doing the demonstrations is very fit and capable, however, the important part of the video for me was the mindset she was advocating. Think like MacGyver! It is amazing what you can do if you are creative. I am in my 80s and have fallen several times, but only once was I unable to get up without help (because of the twisting of my body in the fall). Usually there is something in your environment that can be used in a creative way. It's not always easy, but knowledge is power and it's amazing what you can do if you get creative and are not seriously hurt. Thanks for the advice and encouragement.

[@SilverheadFitness]

I agree. Knowledge is powerful. Love your comment☺️👍🏾✨

[@graygrand]

This lady is young and has strength in her arm not 80 years old.

[@emarm100]

And she is much thinner than many seniors!

[@bhuongnguyen1871]

Yeah! 😊😊😊

[@estersteenberg4794]

10 years ago maybe not now😮

[@anglophils645]

If you keep up your exercise, you will not be weak at 80. Check out Jane Fonda, at 85. If you let yourself go, you'll be weak at 65.

[@kimforbes7596]

I teach fall recovery everyday to seniors at our facility and many have used these techniques to get up. Average age at our facility is 90

[@margaretcooper797]

I spent 5 days on the floor of my house after I broke my hip and spine when I fell.I was rescued by neighbours who had been on holiday,I doubt if I would have survived if they had come even a day later.I am forever grateful to them, for saving my life.

[@tututishtosh]

So sorry for you, that must have been a horrific experience, and you almost didn't survive!!! Really glad for you, life is precious, isn't it?

[@margaretcooper797]

Since my accident I have been to classes like this video,showing people how to get up when they fall,this programme will save lives.

[@Mrsstick07]

Goodness me, how frightening that will have been. I'm so pleased you were rescued. 🥰

[@techshabby0001]

You can see how helpful it would be to have one of those emergency buttons that hangs around your neck

[@sharcrum]

Wow, that's awful. So glad things worked out for you.

[@angelareimann6433]

My mum recently used your (practised and discussed) technique to get up after fall in the garden. Crawled over soft grass to the chair at the back door. Took her time. Got up. Yes, had no phone or her safety beeper on her. So proud of her.

[@janish3059]

Not for nothing, but she did say these are not for everybody and their conditions, but to the best of her ability she was trying to help those who have some strength and mobility in different parts of their body to find an easy way to get up. And I give her credit for that😊

[@carolbyers6625]

I agree this may help a person with no pains in their knees or legs. I sure would like to see a person who has extreme pain in there knees like many of us, try to get up from any of these falls. With what you have shown to us. Of course you csn do it because you have no pain.

[@pol2171]

How about trying to get up with two bad knees and a broken hand (from the fall), with a head injury making me lose consciousness on and off too. Thank goodness for the Police and Ambos. I was a wet cold night too and I think their early intervention saved my life that night.

[@jeanbarton4418]

Having a recent fall, totally embarrassing, outside on my lawn, but landed in gravel. I could not get up no matter what I tried. Having two hip replacements & badly needing a torn ACL or total knee replacement, I was helpless trying to get up despite getting to my knees. I could not get any purchase on the side of my house, so crawled back on all fours to a chain link fence thru gravel & with all my strength pulled myself up. All I could think of was , ‘ I hope my neighbours didn’t see me!’ Man, it sure is challenging getting older!

[@josephdemirbas1636]

This lady don't weigh 120 kgs and 75 almost years like my mum with arithritis

[@jeanbarton4418]

@@josephdemirbas1636 Exactly, it depends on what condition you are in. I envy those who are younger & capable of getting themselves up from a fall.

[@kfl611]

Thankfully it seems you are ok. I'm sure it was a challenge, mentally and emotionally and physically. Yes getting older is kind of no fun, in a lot of ways.

[@elaineedgington934]

Being 75 years old and having found myself in the floor/yard more than a few times I appreciate these ideas!

[@fromjenniferscloset1411]

I shared this with my 94 year old mother about 2 months ago. I had just had a total knee replacement. During week 3 of recovery from the surgery, I fell in the yard. Ideas from this video helped get me to my feet. Then this morning, my mother found herself on the floor looking for something. After realizing the predicament she was in, the ideas, thanks to this video, clicked in and she was able to get up. Said she was worn out be UP and glad she had seen the video. My mother said that the video had given her the ideas ad the confidence. I got to thinking about my recent fall and how confident I had been that I would find a way, also. Thank you so much for taking the time to make this video. The information is invaluable.❤

[@sandrapicton6349]

Absolutely.

[@andreatuckman1084]

So today I found myself on my back in the bathroom. Luckily I remembered your video, turned on my side , pulled over a bath mat, and grabbed hold of the tub. I got up without sliding and instantly thought of you! Thank you 😊

[@janetbrowning9089]

I hope all the "doubting Thomas's here, read this and know, this video is so helpful for all of us...TY so much💖

[@jeanmm2996]

I struggled for 2 hours to get up off the floor, until i decided to put my nearby shoes on. I was getting no purchase on the carpet, until I did this. It absolutely helped!

[@sherrynan2028]

I hope everyone watches this video…its been months since I watched. I fell this week & I didn’t wait to try to get up. I remembered this video, and I managed to get up. I used what I had and before the pain set in I was up! Bleeding & feeling some pain, but I was able to get to the phone. I now take the phone with me everywhere, even the bathroom!

[@monettedupree1191]

lol my phone is with me as well called prevention and less stress for sure ..fyi

[@birdingwithlois5261]

Glad to hear you got up okay.

[@judycook1918]

Everyone over 55 should see this. I had occasion to use the book tower to get myself off the floor onto my stairs. Thank you for taking the time to make this video, It's worth it's weight in gold.

[@drshelkie4153]

I am a Primary Care physician with 20+ years experience. My father is 80 with limited mobility. I’m going to go see him Tomorrow to find some practical applications of theses methods for him. Thank You! There are aspects of these useful for ANYONE regardless of age or ability.

[@homeabilitycom]

Thank you in return for sharing your thoughts and experience with others!

[@gailgibson1921]

🙃 The woman in the demonstration is far to healthy. You should try with arthritis in every joint.....................................

[@margaretlavender9647]

TOO healthy…. I agree, but spell it correctly.

[@mousiebrown1747]

Or bad knees

[@fredziffle5219]

@@margaretlavender9647 the big problem here is not spelling. Emphasis on pain from arthritis or whatever should be indicated as the big problem when someone has fallen. She makes it look easy.

[@SUJAMUK]

@@mousiebrown1747 I have knee replacement and I couldn't get up when I had a fall. Needed help. I may try these making sure I have two people around me. If you can fold your knees, you will be able to get up easily, no special technique required.

[@SUJAMUK]

@@margaretlavender9647 I think it was a typing error.

[@Kacee2]

I'm 68 and never thought this would be a problem. Now I realize that it is. Getting old sucks.

[@Ihfmpw8]

It does suck xx

[@delfine7163]

At 77 I fell in front garden on gravel, no one passes here, and I can’t kneel, could not haul myself up against locked car or front door (luckily open) so I had to shuffle on my bum using elbows for leverage into house and through to living room where I pulled cushion off armchair and levered myself backwards, like a board, onto the base of the chair. It took me 45 minutes and bloodied elbows but I did it.

[@barbaramorris5636]

I am 78 and still ride my horse !!!

[@mym00nsprple]

@@barbaramorris5636 well good for you Karen

[@jvsaints3028]

I recently broke my dominant arm in a fall while outside on my deck. I knew there would be a good chance that I would not get help for some time since I live by myself. I decided to use the adrenaline in my body to get myself up. I am 70 years old and have had two knee replacements. I truly "rigged" my escape using the deck furniture. I must say it was very painful to get up but I was determined. I had surgery two weeks later and had 14 screws placed in the plate. I'm still having OT and I am recovering nicely. The wakeup call for me was this. I need to increase my endurance, balance and strength significantly. I bought a watch where I can summon help, if needed. It is time to be accountable.

[@birdingwithlois5261]

Thanks for sharing. Good on you for not giving up.

[@squirrelcovers6340]

Most of these moves require much more core strength than most elders possess.

[@ninahill4636]

I'm 71 years young and am recovering from a fall with concussion. Five months later I fell in the garage. My left leg was paralyzed. I had to forward frog walk until I could get back inside. Still slowly recovering but tried all the techniques and was finally able to get inside and get help. Thanks so much for repeating this older training module.

[@catpurrson3651]

At 71 I've fallen multiple times and luckily been able to get up. These were all new to me. Thank you!

[@barryw.gaugler3442]

I don't have a right arm due to a stroke. One time I fell off the toilet. I had to walk on my back to get to my bed where l was able to get on my bed with left leg and arm. It took awhile, maybe about an hour. But no injuries. Thank God!

[@maryannbradshaw6658]

Thank you for the tips. It looks easy when a young person does it I would like to see a video with an older over weight person use these steps. Oh, and my sofa is much high than that one you are using for the demonstration. This video did give me some thing to think about though.

[@juliettevoisinet2512]

The MacGyver ideas and your helpful hints are appreciated. 85 years old, just fell in the house and had to get up alone. Thanks

[@rickymcintosh1152]

I was trapped Sunday on the floor in a tight hall way , i got half way up fell down, i have mobility problems and i can walk 25 feet, but i needed to check the dryer for a leak and could not get back up , so i but scooted thru the hall on my but,i got on my side and was able to craw thru the kicthen into the bed room and i was tired, i rested for a while on the floor, then i could not push myself up, so i got on my knees and flopped my body on the bed and wiggled myself upon the bed and i was able to get back up, Thank God he knew what to do and told me , i saw one of your videos a long time ago But GOD told me what to do Thank you Lord.......

[@nancywood9531]

This all looks easy for her . She's young thin, has strong arms and legs and back. Older people fall with no arm strength. Weak or partial use of legs. And over weight. Most have trouble getting out of chairs. These tactics are worth learning if you can do them. I recommend an alert button You wear it and fire dept get you up at no cost if it's just to get you up and not transport to hosp.

[@KarenSikorski-yp8jv]

When I fall it can take me hours to get up I have bad legs,hips, knees this video doesn't show how people with weaknesses should go about trying to help themselves get up

[@shawnferguson2205]

This is the second time I've watched this video. Thanks to you, I was able to get up from one of my three falls by myself. Being overweight and under-strong, I needed help to get up from the tumble I took outside (nothing to hang onto). The third time I was indoors, but needed help again. I'm re-watching this video to refresh my memory and add some tools to my toolkit. Thank you again.

[@jannetteberends8730]

I’m in a telephone circle. Each day at 8.30 pm I’m get a phone call. After this call I call the next one in the circle, and that one calls the next. And so on until the circle is closed. So I wouldn’t lay on the ground for longer than a day. But the tips are great.

[@juditheickstedt1393]

Being very over weight and in my mid 70's I find this video very helpful. What I do when I am on the floor is remove sofa cushions, get my butt up on a cushion lay back onto the couch where the cushions were, swing my legs onto couch and stand up. After watching your video I realize I could go to my front door which has an immediate step down to the porch. Sitting in doorway with my feet down on porch and door frame to hang onto I should be able to get up. Thanks so much for this video.

[@maureeng.obrien9259]

MY SMARTASS KID TOLD ME I SHOULD SRAY ON THE FOOR UNTIL MY OBESITY WASN'T MORBID ANYMORE. ORMAYBE IT WAS UNTIL I WAS MORBID. DAMN. DO YOU THINK HE WANTS MY HOUSE?

[@janiegiordano9295]

Great video. I’ve fallen several times and had a very hard time figuring how to get up. I’m 74 and have poor balance. Live alone, too. I think for me, not panic and try these different technics to get up.

[@gradywilson9213]

I have purchased walkers & canes at thrift stores, keep them strategically located around the house. Everytime I have to get down on my knees I make sure there is a four point walker by me. I use it for support to get down, and then back up. I have a two story house, at the bottom of the stairs I have a heavy duty rubber matt about half inch thick & about 4 by 5 feet wide, in case of a fall I will not hit the hard tile. I actually did this when our son was young to protect him, and have kept it for my wife & I.

[@rodos2001]

Great video. As an Orthopedic surgeon, I think after age 70, one should monitor not only bone density but also be referred to PT to practice balance work and these important techniques. I would always ask my older patients, "Can you get up on your feet from flat on the floor?" Practice every two months. Stay active, even if just a daily walk.

[@susanlandsman9572]

I think your comment is one of the best here in this collection of commenters.

[@barbaramorris5636]

WHATT......you gotta be kiddin me. Sport and exercise through our life prevents all this.

[@barbaramorris5636]

And yes I can get up from the floor at 78.

[@sandralewis1689]

I'm 70, 5'2" and weigh almost 250. A couple of years ago I was working with my sheep out in the pasture.when the ram hit me. I stepped on a large round stone and heard and felt my ankle break. Bum knees and rocks meant no crawling so I locked my legs together and "log rolled" to the fence. From there I was able to butt scoot to a wagon. I got on the wagon backward so I could push with my good leg until I got to help. I was pretty dang pleased with my accomplishment. That log roll was very useful for a long distance with no available supports. It was much less tireing as well.

[@homeabilitycom]

Yikes! That sounds TERRIBLE - starting with the physical blow from the ram through to the end! Thank your for sharing your story and your self-rescue tricks.

[@gardengalsu]

I liked the fact *you kept persevering* & didn't just crumble & cry.

[@grimtt]

The fact that you were out ram wrestling in your 60’s says you’re more mobile than some persons half your age!😂

[@maureeng.obrien9259]

WOW. YOU ARE PRETTY OVERWEIGHT FOR YOUR HEIGHT TOO, HUH? IT'S OKAY. I WEIGH ALMOST 400 LBS. AND CAN'T EVEN GET UP TO TAKE A SHIT. LET ALONE HERD SHEEP. BRAVO! I'M GOING TO LOG ROLL MYSELF TO THE KITCHEN NOW..- I WON'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT FALLING OR GETTING UP NOW! THANKS!

[@vickytribble3259]

Wow!! You are amazing 🤩

[@peteravila83]

My mother is 85 years old and with less than ideal mobility, thank you so much for these tips. My sister and I will immediately start practicing these techniques with our mom to have her ready in case of an emergency. God bless!

[@maureeng.obrien9259]

DIN'T THROW HER ON THE FLOOR THOUGH. GET HER DRUNK FIRST. PLEASE. AND THANK YOU.

[@lauriemasters5596]

Wow you and your sisters are good daughters.

[@maryusa8526]

Sometimes the fall happens outside and you injured your body. This happened to me...I tripped over something. I just lay there and waited, no phone because I didn't expect to need it so close to the house. First I thanked God it wasn't raining then I told Him that it looked like no one might walk by so early. I decided to take deep breaths and admired the greenery, since that was all I could do. And to my surprise and to the surprise of a nbr who was walking past with his pup, (he did a double take) lol and helped me up. Then I ended up in ER just in case I might have broken something. The lessons learned: Take your phone With you, always watch your step, Pray, keep calm and Breathe.

[@mistiinseattle]

Fantastic advice. Thanks! Being older, there are many of these I could not do. So I focused on "Okay, what CAN I do?" The turning over furniture to make handrails is brilliant. I made a plan using two sturdy wooden barstools and taking off my couch cushions to use and back up to the couch "in steps" (with other pillows if needed). Hopefully I won't need it but it feels good to know that in case of a fall I know exactly what to do. Could also use towels, folded up throw rugs, pillows, or even clothes out of the closet to make that tower or "steps" to keep lifting yourself higher. (Ignore the critics... lol you aren't magic and can't possibly fix everyone's health problems but for a LOT of us these tips could be lifesavers.)

[@wayneknazek7362]

Well done young lady! I read some of the negative reviews. But I applaud your efforts! I'm 74. I know many my age could not do some, or maybe even none of the techniques you showed us here. And for those, sadly, this video might not be of any help. THAT BEING SAID . . . I'm 74. In good health. Physdically strong. And knowing how many elderly people fall each year, I thank you for the gift you gave to all who could use your tips and tricks. ALSO . . . to those who LIVE WITH someone who cannot do these techniquest by themselves . . . if you find yourself needing to help up someone who fell, helping them do the techniques, and providing some support along with their efforts to do the technique will make it easier for YOU to help them up. Thank you for your gift, Rhonda. Wayne (Reed) Knazek

[@javaskull88]

If anyone reading this is too weak or too large to get up, PLEASE go into PT to gain strength and learn the skills. You can do this!

[@carolynmayfield916]

Just yesterday I sat down on the floor, and realized that due to a stiff knee I wasn’t going to hop up quickly. As I crawled toward a recliner chair I was thinking of this exact video. I saw it years ago, and was grateful for the tips I had picked up and still remembered. Just ran across it again. So glad to pick up some more info to remember!!

[@PPWombat]

And thank you for helping unknown others with even just a bit of positivity. Can make such a difference in so many unpredictable situations... preparedness in so many ways goes a long way. I'm legally blind (impaired mid 70s) and a neighbor I'm a carer for has taught me so much more by her resourcefullness after falls.

[@VickiePietz]

Forget that bone against bone in knees I call the paramedics

[@bambidelaney8122]

This young woman has never broken her leg femur

[@dianewilliams1125]

Same problem with me😮😮😮

[@patriciamichelin7355]

That is what I do too. I'm old, have had a broken femur and knee, have a torn rotator cuff plus I am unfortunately overweight. I recently passed out in my bathroom and could not get up. Thank goodness for cell phones, I called the paramedics and they came and kindly got me up right away. I just can't see any of her methods working for me under the circumstances I had.

[@dianewilliams1125]

@@patriciamichelin7355 God bless you Pat! Thank heaven I've only fell a few times but like you I have had multiple injuries and bone on bone in my knees. I called 911 after crawling to the phone and the front door. They came quickly and got me up to a chair checked me over and asked if I wanted to go to the hospital. I have a cell phone now! Take care!

[@valkyriesardo278]

I fell a few weeks ago going down my front porch steps. I thought the sidewalk was wet, but it was covered with a layer of ice as clear as glass. My feet flew straight out in front of me and my tailbone took the full impact. I think its best not to move right away. Let the initial shock and pain subside enough so you can inventory your body. I was grateful my spine had not hit the steps behind me. I laid down on my back with my knees up. And I shoved my arms beneath my torso with my fists under my buttocks. That was instinctive and I suppose to prevent losing body heat to the ice. I laid there and yelled for awhile in pain and fear at what could be serious injury at 65. I was half hoping someone would hear and come help. But it was the dead of winter and the street was empty. When I felt ready to move, I moved very slowly and did not have difficulty. I took it as a good sign that the pain was all local to that tailbone area. It took a few weeks to fade away. I've had a few bouts of back pain so intense that I wound up in an emergency room. Most of the moves in this video looked too twisty for an attack of back pain. Except I did like the speakers or stack of books idea. I can keep my spine straight with those moves.

[@itsmeagain1436]

Wow.. as hard as it is people need to learn not to freeze when they fall. Google Fall Prevention and start there. It teaches you to bend and fall without stiffening up. When you stiffen or try to brace a fall, more injury occurs. This is a great instructional video for after fall.

[@Frankallen12]

This is so nice of you, to take the time out of you life, to teach us Seniors, the problems we can run into, after falling! Thank you so much! You are such a CHAMP!

[@maureeng.obrien9259]

HOW OLD IS A SENOR? SENORITA.

[@queenieburgers50]

I've fallen many times in my life and used a few of these mentioned, they work great. I like your creativity with the MacGyver ideas.

[@theresavancamp7575]

Due to my "challenges" there was only one aid I could use and it came from the comments. Several people spoke of their success using a flat inflatable bed rolling onto it and then inflating it and getting to a sitting position. I have had too many falls and as I live alone I was once almost 20 hours on the floor before, luckily, my daughter came to check on me. Without water and also the meds I take I hallucinated and it was a difficult experience plus several weeks in hospital. I always keep a phone and water on a low shelf now. And I will go online to find a twin inflatable bed and place it beside them ready to inflate. I definately will have someone with me when I practice the inflatable bed rescue! Absolutely a solution I feel positive I can do alone! Thank you, dear people, for your wonderful advice. Thank you, dear instructor, for making this very informative video.

[@frankbalk7440]

Interestingly, most comments seem to focus on the “I can’t” instead of setting the stage so you can, ,and then practice. Yes, there are those who truly can’t, but her point is, there are millions of ways your own imagination will figure out how to do it, IF, you let it. I’m 85, and not too nimble or quick any more, but if I had to, I believe I would find a way. I used to manage a 60 unit Sr. Apt building whose tenants were a minimum of 65, with most older. What most people don’t understand is the determination of these folks to live on their own despite the difficulties and/or risks, most would have difficulty getting back up if they fell. So would I! Our building was only 3 stories high, but in an emergency, if the elevator quit, those on the 3rd or even the 2nd floor would be toast if they were dependent on their wheel chairs. The best I could do is make them aware of the risks and the best way to regain enough mobility to save their own lives. The keys were-knowledge, training and practice. I held regular classes to help my tenants gain those keys, and we practiced! We started by learning the ways to get up off the floor so they could be mobile. There was one older woman who often tipped over and fell, so she learned how to fall without injury. It wasn’t a lot, but she was indomitable. I fixed her up with a doorbell button that would ring the bell in my place, so I’d know she was in trouble. She wore the button around her neck, even in the tub. There are ways that work, if you use your best tool - your mind, and don’t give up! Just get and use what you need and be prepared! Be ready to help yourself.

[@ptcoristine5093]

Bless you for this important work! Helping seniors help themselves. :-) Awesome and you certainly are a caring person

[@birdingwithlois5261]

Thanks, Frank! You are a gem. I'm glad your residents are getting help.

[@ho-bo-hemian]

I played this Video for my 84-year old friend who was stuck on the floor. It helped her think through The correct steps to get herself up! Thanks!

[@homeabilitycom]

We are happy to learn that it was helpful for your friend. Thank you for sharing!

[@theprior46]

These are excellent strategies and bound to be very useful to many. I became a 'mono-pod" 8 years ago when I lost nearly all my right leg in a road accident. I have practiced getting up from the floor aided by amputee physiotherapists who showed me how to do it - but without two legs getting up to a kneeling position is just about impossible. Wearing a prosthetic leg it's a bit easier. However I must say you are light weight and trim so the moves look so easy for you. The heavier you are the more strength you need in your arms to get even to the first stage of getting up. I have found the best solution is 'prevention over cure' and I haven't fallen down yet in those 8 years from the age of 67 to 75 - I've still not hit the deck. In my youth I wasn't sporting and was regarded as having an over-developed sense of self-preservation. That served me well !

[@jeanetteleonard2042]

I was referred to the video by a friend, sending me a link after I suffered a fall 3 days ago. The video offered some great suggestions for getting up from the floor after a fall. However, the best suggestion for me on the video proved unsuitable for me as I am unable to kneel!!

[@ruthportway5198]

I wish people would stop all these negative comments. This video is trying to be helpful and I can see that it would work for many people. The people who made the video are not responsible for the pain and medical conditions of some of the viewers so those viewers should not make such nasty comments. These ideas are innovative and give people the chance to help themselves rather than lay there waiting for someone else to help them. They will not work for everyone nor every time but it is always worth trying self help first. I am 72 and am grateful for this video and will be sharing it with other people - TFS team

[@rockie6890]

Ruth, you can say that again. I'm 87, have had back and hip surgery and that first suggestion has helped me many times. I think it has a lot to do with attitude. Get over yourself people.

[@javaskull88]

I do floor stretches every evening before bed (really helps me sleep better). This forces me get off the floor at least once a day in order to maintain this critical skill.

[@angelacalais6449]

Thank you, thank you, thank you! Your video suggestions work great! Examples 1-5 and the old "butt scoot" are my favourites. Thanks again!❤ BTW, I'm 78yrs old with two knee replacements.😁

[@annaboyle9831]

I have a tendency of falling. I'm a 75 year old woman. Thank you, I learned a lot. I'll remember that for next time.

[@brendapugh1278]

My problem is I have had double knee replacement. You can't get on your knees to get up

[@bodyforlife99]

Bravo Rhonda! I've been personal training for over 18 years and I love it when people like yourself take the time to put such helpful ideas out there for people to use. The biggest concern with most of my clients is getting up after a fall and balance. These are great suggestions and I commend you for sharing your knowledge. Well done!

[@ronrice2249]

I used to watch MacGyver religiously. I love his ingenuity. Some of these techniques would be hard for a very large person to use, if they could use them at all. But others are very useful to know. Thanks for the demo.

[@sharonsomers]

I thought that as well. Someone 300 lbs is just not going to be able to do those techniques. If they could find a large person to make a video for how large people can get up, that would be great.

[@marposaposa814]

Thank you, this has given me the awareness to keep exercising to be strong enough to help me lift myself off the floor.

[@jamic6351]

Love coming here every few weeks to see new comments. Think it’s safe to say what we've always heard....practice makes perfect. If a person has too much pain....doing nothing won’t improve the condition. Still too much pain, go to Plan B. Most important takeaway from Rhonda’s vid is...try something, but try it. All of us should, instead of a bouquet of flowers, bring our neighbors or relatives some safety devices. Instead of wearing a lovely watch fob, or locket worn at the breast, get a Bobbie's whistle, has a distinctive piercing sound, not much breath needed to activate. There are safety whistles that do require a big breath, but are loud enough to be heard for miles. Instead of a gift of flowers, bring to your loved one, a high beam/strobe light. Wear it if possible on a lanyard, or hang it within reach. Such a nice video because it gets you to thinkin'.

[@arniemoriarty4110]

Thank you this helped so much I tripped over a plastic chair lying on the floor I fell on my back It’s quite embarrassing since I’m only 13 years old and I have to search up a KZbin toturial on how to get up I was trying to get up for about ten minutes I finally pulled myself up holing onto the tv unit. Next time I will know what to do it helps for young people too.

[@nonaknight9491]

This young lady has perfect balance, and flexibility to reach out to lift, drag or pull on something. Also a convenient large area of flooring. Try finding this amount of clear space in UK small dwellings🙄

[@ClarisseRockinThatBow]

Having gone through months of PT after a life-threatening car accident (I was in a wheelchair for 3.5 most), I applaud this video. I would add two other tactics: first, use your imagination when finding a stable object you can use in order to get back on your feet (the MacGyver move). Think outside the box. It's a lot easier to flip onto your stomach than on your back; second, use your body weight, counter balance and gravity to reorient yourself into a position that will get you upright. Great video!

[@debbiesullivana1795]

Thanks for the tips. I have Had to call 911 twice after falls. I have a bad knee and couldn't get myself up. I fell two weeks ago but was able to pull myself on to the sofa. I was so proud of myself. I guess my knee is healing.

[@janetbrowning9089]

Or you're getting stronger...WTG😊

[@user-vf8pw3om2w]

What great tips! I live alone, need my right shoulder replaced & can't kneel or squat so I'm deathly afraid of falling. I want to try these but I'm afraid I won't be able to get up if get down purposely. It's scary living alone.

[@ElizabethGS]

A: I hear you (as do many of us here as well). It can be just as 'solitary' when one's partner/spouse/companion is even more disabled or out of commission, so don't feel you are alone. We are legion. You might want to try a bit of stacking a few couch cushions (assuming they come off in order to do so), or scouting around for something you can also 'stack' but which might be softer to inch yourself towards, put your elbows (or wrists if you don't have issues there) to pull yourself up onto, and then further up onto a couch or chair. I think for many of us, keeping a cordless phone (or cellphone if you have one - I personally don't), within reach at all times, would be our best bet if a fall is severe enough. During my husband's long illness last year I would stuff my much too large cordless handset into my sweatpants' pocket when I took my dogs outside, especially in the freezing cold and icy conditions. Of course with my luck I'd land on it, shattering it into a thousand pieces, ;). Just a little aside: I make friends wherever I go, so I wonder if you don't have a friend you could have check in on you - or if you don't have someone close by you could frequent your local library or community theater, perhaps making friends in the process? There has to be a way for you to find like-minded people you could count on in an emergency. Much luck to you.

[@Ihfmpw8]

I need two shoulders replacing and I really am in terrible pain and I couldn’t do these recovery stuff…it’s ok for this healthy lady doing this but I couldn’t. I’m with you all the way about deathly afraid of falling.I’m 76

[@costaricaflyer1532]

My girlfriend who I love dearly has issues with falling and getting up. This could save her life! Thank you a million times!

[@kayganley7848]

Ive had a stroke and live in a retirement home. Independent floor. I fell one night in the kitchen wearing only panties. I couldnt get up but i reached back beside the fridge and grabbed the broom and started banging on the wall with it, SOS SOS SOS in Morse code. My neighbor heard me, understood and called down to the desk and i was rescued.

[@hoosierpioneer]

Everyone should be taught SOS in morse code.

[@kfl611]

Next time, yell as loud as you can 'HELP' ! No shame in falling, you didn't do it on purpose.

[@bbednorz319]

Why all the complaints? Geez, if you are a fall risk, it’s up to you to make your space safe! Get rugs, carpet, safety bars, furniture or whatever is needed. This video shows ways to get up and they work! Practice, people.

[@artistaloca4]

An able-bodied person is not going to watch this for themselves and I think most people with physical disabilities will agree that most of these moves won't work

[@janetbrowning9089]

I must have missed something, I didn't see anyone complaining...I just saw some that had more severe disabilities and we asking if there was any tips they could use to help themselves up too.

[@janetbrowning9089]

@@artistaloca4 I agree that there could be others that these moves won't work for and they will need to find another way to help themselves up...but, this is so important for most of us elderly. I am elderly and I do strengthening exercises for my hands and my knees now...I started some time back now...when we all get older, we wind up with physical disabilities, but that doesn't mean that it will preclude us from using any of these methods to help ourselves get back up, after a fall, providing nothing is broken. So, if you aren't interested or you are physically fit and younger, you won't be interested in this video...the rest of us are.

[@janetbrowning9089]

I have to apologize, Slash...I just found the complaining people...they were just down further...please forgive me for being so hasty!!😊

[@elainejohnson9442]

I collapsed at the bottom of my long sloping garden. I found I was too weak to lift my head further than a few inches. So I rolled myself all the way up the garden, til at the top my neighbour heard me. I suppose adrenalin kicked in giving me the strength. I am 84

[@snicksabea]

Please get a cell phone.

[@phyllismonroe8603]

This video is helpful to me. During a recent fall I landed on my bum and into a small old box which partially collapsed and created a wall surrounding me and hindered me from rolling over and onto my hands and knees. What's more, I kept slipping on the carpet as I tried to get up. It took a bit of maneuvering until I was able to use the end board of my bed to pull myself up.

[@lindalangrell471]

I'm 66 and trying to stay strong for things like this. I studied martial arts years ago and understand a lot about body motion, acceleration, etc. This is good stuff that all people should practice if they can. Stay moving as much as you can!

[@Godwinpounds4333]

Hello how are you doing?

[@sobegirl411]

Thank you for sharing this knowledge!! I’m paralyzed from the chest down and many of the movements you use are similar to what I’ve learned over the years to do to get up off the ground. Bless you for helping others. 💕

[@sylwia7060]

Wish You everything good in lite🤗

[@sylwia7060]

Life!!

[@josephkarpinski9586]

Wish I had seen this a few weeks ago. At almost 70, the MS spasticity in my feet, legs and arms is so bad that if I get on the ground I have a lot of difficulty getting back up. After mowing the lawn, I closed the garage door and started to untie my shoes. To my surprise, my legs started to shake and instead of standing up I sank to the garage floor. I could not get up. And to make things worse, the garage lights went off. There I was, laying on the garage floor in the dark. Luckily I had my iPhone and called/texted my wife to come home and help me off the floor. 😢

[@deb7518]

2 weeks ago, I fell when my cane/stool combo broke (and both hips are nearly useless.) Luckily, a small box tightly packed with CDs was nearby, and it helped me gain enough leverage so that I could push up on my knees and grab hold of a doorknob to pull myself up. So glad that I never bothered to unpack those CDs when we moved!

[@royjunior3349]

It sucks getting old when I find myself watching these videos.

[@avrilcaulfield7627]

Tks for the information 🌺🇿🇦

[@k.s.k.7721]

I noticed many comments below from folks in my age range (70's) and older who talk about the loss of strength and stamina that come with ageing. This is one reason why I never stopped exercising. I do 150 minutes weekly, and rotate cardio, strength and flexibility exercises I find online. I use lots that are targeted for seniors, and work within my own range and ability. It's not fun, necessarily, but the alternative is more loss of balance and strength, so I exercise 6 days a week. Start slow, use common sense, and you can regain some independence and confidence in daily life.

[@anonymousjohnson976]

Yes, of course. I am 77 and even though I am in great pain, I try to walk at the park a little and do some stretching exercises before I get out of bed and during the day.

[@lynetteoosthuizen8947]

Brave. Exercize builďs muscle strength. Regular light exercize keeps it there. Injuries and all. I am 70 pain terribly but exercise daily.

[@julietgover2832]

I remember reading about a lady who lived alone on a property. She was a long distance from the house, fell and fractured her hip. Took 24 hours to crawl to the house while at risk of wild dogs. Often think of this lady as a role midel That is mental stamina and a very strong and determined lady. I've had fractures including a pelvis, but continued to walk for a week. A lot of pain control is in mind.

[@lizn8501]

always carry a charged cell phone or personal "siren" to make noise!

[@nancyobrien2854]

I have slithered myself out of a pond and through the woods with a broke ankle to get help. Will to survive is all you need.

[@sandymutert8495]

❤❤❤

[@Carol-vv5cm]

Many people have bad knees and the pain of putting pressure on them is intolerable.

[@daniellewatson8352]

Or hips.

[@ritabowen8302]

When I fell and couldn't get up I dragged myself to the top of the stairs and used the bannister to pull myself up. My little grandson who was with me thought it was a good move.

[@allieb1621]

Videos like this one helps put ideas into the mind of people who otherwise feel very helpless. Of course not everyone is as fit or slightly built as this person but having an idea how to help yourself in a situation like this means even if it takes a long time putting any of these methods into practice it is better than just lying where you have fallen and doing nothing. Also now, before any fall, is the time to look around in the home so see what is available to help or indeed purchase something which can help. For example most speakers available currently won't take the weight of an adult human so maybe purchase a footstool or even a sturdy decorative ladder (like those used for towels or a pretty blanket) for help proving purchase to raise body height or even to reach a phone or a doorknob. Even tying a rope with knots (or a silk cord if a rope is too ugly) to a door knob or create another anchor point with a hook attached firmly to the wall - either will help lift someone up from the floor.

[@pattyturpin9180]

Allie B Someone needs to wise up and show an elderly person in the same situation, not a young, lightweight like in this video. 😋

[@susanjane4784]

I watch this every year to review these techniques. Even in that amount of time, I forget some of them. I need to go to every six months now that I'm over 60.

[@richardharris8399]

My wife has been disabled for 16 years. She is a little heavier than she used to be. Falls are her worst enemy. Therapists have worked with her but no one has been able to teach her how to get up from a fall. It takes at least one very strong person, and usually two, to help her up. Your tips are nice, and maybe they'll help some people who, like you, are fit, trim, and mentally aware... but you should probably put some sort of disclaimer up for people who aren't. Either that or get a plus size model.

[@Ihfmpw8]

I so agree with you

[@sydneyrogers9697]

I only have one arm, hand and shoulder that works. My worst fall left me lying on the road for over an hour. The next one was in a deep bathtub. I broke two ribs getting out of that bath. It was either the ribs or I would have died in the tub as there was no other way out. Even that took hours to achieve. Unfortunately none of these would have worked but hopefully most are not as disabled.

[@kfl611]

Goodness, I hope you are ok and on the mend. You need a nice low 'walk in shower' with a plastic chair to sit on, to help you be less prone to falling. I'm in my early 60's and thank god the last few times I fell, I got shaken up, but am flexible (clutzy) that through out life I've more or less learned how to roll with the fall and not get injured. My nephew who is 31 was talking about how traumatic it was for him70self when he fell recently. I had to have a little chuckle, and told him it only gets more traumatic each decade that you live, the falls get more painful. When my grandmother was in her 70s she fell on a walk in the mountains, thankfully my father was with her, and he must have been in his 40's and he is a big football player type. He carried her down the mountain. My grandmother was more or less ok, but had a lot of bruised ribs and she said it hurt a lot when she had to breathe deeply.

[@catmom1322]

This has actually happened to me & it was hours before I made my way up. Your advice is golden!

[@maureeng.obrien9259]

GIRRRRRRLLLL!!

[@ilatap]

This is OUTSTANDING! What a great resource for individuals who live alone and may be susceptible to falls. THANK YOU, Rhonda B., for taking the time to record this and share it with the public.

[@arturothecook]

These are really good but you are in great shape. What about getting some volunteers of the age and health state of your target audience? That would help us see that I works for all.

[@clairestevens8051]

I’m 72 and just last week I watched this video. Tonight I fell in the bedroom as I was going around the bottom corner of the bed and my foot somehow got entangled in the bedding and caught on the footboard. I was in a narrow space and couldn’t get on my hands and knees to crawl. I don’t have much upper body strength so I couldn’t pull myself up using the footboard. After thinking for awhile I buttwalked backwards to get up against a low chair. I tipped up the seat cushion so the seat would be even lower and then I used your trick with the books to get high enough to get onto the chair. It was a bit harder than you made it look because I’m broader than you are. But it worked and I was able to stand up. It’s a bad feeling to be helpless. I was glad to have a way to help myself when I got into trouble.

[@homeabilitycom]

We are very sorry to learn that you fell. It makes us happy to learn the video provided you with ideas that allowed you to successfully get yourself upright again. Thank you for taking time to share your experience with us and with other viewers! We did speed up the video showing the book technique, making it look like it happens faster than it does, which we hope was understood by viewers. The truth is that many people spend days on the floor or sadly are not found in time, so it does not matter how long it takes to get up, only that you can creatively devise a solution, any solution, to help you successfully get back upright on your feet again, which you definitely did. We very much hope that this is the first and last time you experience a fall and find yourself in need of this knowledge. There are some other strategies, however, for you to be aware of that can assist to further enhance your safety if such an incident were to occur again and that can help to prevent the likelihood you would be waiting for more than a few hours for someone to stop by and help you if you could not find a way to get back up again (i.e. if an injury occurred during the fall). To learn more, visit our article: homeability.com/falls-how-to-get-off-the-floor/

[@raquelamara4130]

It makes it hard to use those techniques when you’re over weight and have bad knees like I do

[@kathybenson9382]

Same here

[@njspice8982]

Same problem here, but she demonstrates several alternatives.

[@catherinenicely9887]

@@njspice8982 none of them have worked for me.

[@emibar4682]

Stacking the books is a good idea, I never thought of it but I think that's a brilliant technique.

[@barbarachippel3142]

@@catherinenicely9887 nothing worked for me. I had to use my Alert Button to call 911 for help. They were at my house within 5 minutes.

[@leealpalazzolo8024]

I was outside in the flower bed, used the bookshelf method with the bricks that lined the flowerbed and was able to build my sitting position high enough to be able to get up! And I was 67 years old at the time. I weighed 180 lbs. AND was still recovering from Covid so I wasn’t at my strongest. But I wasn’t giving up! 😊

[@dee2544]

I have knee pt next week. Bone on bone knee pain. Today I fell walking uphill by the driveway and was so embarrassed. Luckily I had my phone and called my brother to come help me. I was bitten by a few ants but no injuries. Good thing I have a chiropractor appointment this week.

[@dee2544]

There was nothing for me to use to get up. It was uphill walking in the yard Guess it’s time for a rollerball walker

[@scruffypupper]

These are fine for the average person who trips and falls but won't work for people who have limited mobility in their hips, knees or back issues, not to mention shoulder problems. How about some video featuring those issues. My husband is overweight, has limited use of his legs and recently fell. He is unable to rise to his knees and I couldn't lift or push him. The best I could do is get him to sit on a piece of cardboard and scoot himself to the back door, onto the porch where the steps went down and he could lower his legs, grab hold of the post and pull himself upright. It was either that or call the fire dept to come help him up.

[@birdingwithlois5261]

How creative! I'm glad you thought of some way to work it out.

[@loro3849]

Such a valuable set of ideas I fell a few months ago and refused to let my husband call for help. It took me an hour but I figured out a way to get up. I've been looking for help like this. Thank you

[@denicetanner5356]

This video was excellent but not for everyone that falls...too many with bad knees, no upper body strength, surgeries etc. appreciate the tips she has shown us and it may come in handy to help someone else...I too am overweight and without help none of them would have worked for me...thankful for a strong son in law and grandson right next door but then you'd better have your phone on your person....

[@Noitisnt-ns7mo]

See my comment, this will work well for you. I and my mom are both pretty weak people.( she is 5'4" around 200lbs. I am a buck 80), she has bad knees and hip replacements. (Falling is always contingent with after effects that do not go away.)- my mom has a cheap beeper that she call me with, which could be worn like a necklace.

[@mrdovie47]

Once my wife fell trying to get in her wheel chair at home. I had an inflatable bed in the room and she was too heavy for me to lift. So I deflated the bed flat, we both got her on the bed and then the built in pump inflated the bed again to where I could get her in her chair again.

[@dixondavies]

I too have trouble getting up of the floor. Not necessarily because I had fallen but because I was doing something down on the floor. I saw the way my grandchildren were getting up when they were learning to stand and walk. Roll over on your stomach, bend you knees and pull your legs under you, then push up with your hands and legs and stand. All of your methods require using nearby objects. That is not always possible. It works for me. I am 86

[@t0mn8r35]

As an amputee I got a lot of good ideas from your video. Thank you!

[@cathydee8401]

Last week I fell in my garage. I injured both my knees and my left arm. No one lives nearby. I was laying in the narrow space between my car and a bank of cabinets. Without the use of my arm and being unable to get on my knees I was not able to stand up. I live alone and am 70 years old. I tried several times to get up, failing. I was able to drag myself over to a small step ladder and using my good arm slowly pulled myself up to a standing position. Fortunately nothing was broken but extremely painful. Oh, the temperature was 102 degrees that day. This has made my decision to move into senior housing where help is close by.