Introduction

Falls happen – and not all of them lead to serious injury. But when a loved one ends up on the floor and can’t get up on their own, even without being hurt, it can still be frightening and dangerous.

In Canada, families often wonder: Who can we call for help? Is 911 the only option? Is there a better way to assist someone safely?

In this article, we explain what a “lift assist” is and how to handle non-emergency falls. Additionally, we discuss how Bedford Medical Alert systems give you the support and confidence to respond quickly and safely.

Why Getting Up Without Help Can Be Dangerous

Even if a fall doesn’t result in injury, attempting to get up without help can be risky. Seniors may experience muscle strain, dizziness, or a secondary fall. This is especially concerning if they’re on uneven flooring or alone for a long time.

Extended time on the floor can lead to hypothermia, dehydration, pressure sores, or emotional trauma.

According to Health Canada, nearly 1 in 3 seniors experiences a fall each year. Among those who cannot get up, over 50% experience complications within 72 hours.

What Is a Lift Assist – and When Is It Needed?

A “lift assist” is when someone helps a person off the floor or another surface after a fall, without emergency medical intervention.

Lift assists are needed when:

– Your loved one has fallen but is not injured
– They can’t get up alone
– You aren’t physically able or trained to lift them safely

Many Canadians call 911 out of panic – not knowing there may be better, safer options.

Who Can You Call in Canada for a Lift Assist?

– Ambulance/EMS: Often respond to lift assists, but may charge a fee depending on the province.
– Fire Department: Some municipalities, especially in Ontario and Alberta, allow fire crews to respond to lift assists. This happens when ambulance response isn’t required.
– Home Care or Caregiver: If scheduled or available, this can be an option.
– Private Response Services: Less common but growing in availability in some provinces.

Tip: Response policies vary by region. In rural areas, delays may be longer or services more limited.

How a Medical Alert System Can Help Without Dialing 911

With Bedford Medical Alert:

– A button press connects your loved one to a trained responder within seconds.
– Our team can triage the situation and decide if EMS or family should be contacted.
– If it’s not a medical emergency, we can initiate a lift assist protocol instead of calling 911.
– GPS-enabled devices help us locate your loved one – even if they fall outdoors.

Our fall detection pendants also work automatically if your loved one is unconscious or unable to press their button. Bedford keeps you connected and informed every step of the way.

What to Do Immediately After a Fall

– Stay calm and reassure your loved one.
– Check for injuries: Ask if they feel pain, look for bleeding or confusion.
– Keep them warm: Use blankets or cushions if they must stay put.
– Call for help using their medical alert device. Alternatively, use your own phone if needed.
– Don’t force them up unless you are confident it’s safe to do so.
– Document the fall: When, where, and how it happened. This helps for future prevention.

Preventing Future Falls and Building a Response Plan

The best way to reduce fall-related fear is to be proactive:
– Conduct a home safety audit (remove tripping hazards, install grab bars)
– Encourage regular balance and strength exercises
– Review medications for side effects
– Equip your loved one with a Bedford medical alert device with fall detection
– Set up a response protocol: Who should be contacted first in a fall event?

Bedford’s team will help you build a personalized lift assist plan for your loved one.

Conclusion

Even if your loved one isn’t hurt, a fall can still be a serious and frightening experience. Having the right tools – including a medical alert system with fall detection – ensures that help is never far away.

With Bedford Medical Alert, you and your loved ones can respond quickly, avoid unnecessary emergency calls, and support aging in place with confidence.

Want to learn more about lift assist response plans?

Call us today: 1-888-755-3055

Compare our fall detection systems
Learn about GPS-enabled systems for safety on-the-go
Download our free guide to supporting independent aging in Canada.

The post My Loved One Fell but Isn’t Hurt – What Should I Do? Lift Assist Options for Canadian Families appeared first on Bedford Medical Alert.