First aid for the Elderly – Things to Know

ByMed guard

Older people are the most high-risk groups in our population. They are more prone to having accidents, especially in and around the home. Thus, the elderly need immediate and accurate first-aid. An ideal first aid kits for the elderly should have:

  • Antiseptic spray, cream, or wipes for wound care cleaning
  • Crepe bandages (for sprains and strains)
  • Sterile disposable gloves
  • Plasters (ideally waterproof) in different shapes and sizes
  • Thermometer
  • Eyewash solution
  • Sterile gauze dressings in a variety of sizes
  • Surgical tape
  • Tweezers
  • Scissors
  • Safety pins
  • Cold pack
  • Thermal patches
  • Band-Aids in assorted sizes 
  • Fever reducing medication
  • Calamine lotion
  • Anti-inflammatory medication
  • Antihistamines
  • Hydrocortisone
  • Cotton balls and swabs
  • Ace wrap bandages
  • Ear wax remover
  • Blood pressure monitor
  • Books and guides on emergency care

Also, seeking a doctor’s help is always the first option if the situation worsens or if the caretaker is unaware of what to do with the patients to heal them. Many reasons contribute towards this age group having more accidents.

Common Reasons Causing Accidents in Elderly

  • Medical Conditions and Medicine

Our physiology changes with time, and as we get older, we often develop additional medical conditions. But, those conditions and the medicine given to control them can alter how our bodies react to an injury. Here, understanding this is the key to managing an older person’s first aid emergency and anticipating how they might react to their injuries. Staying one step ahead in any emergency often proves critical to the recovery of the casualty.

  • Accident-Prone

With growing age, people become more prone to accidents. As their eyesight deteriorates, skin becomes thinner, and mobility issues start developing. They may also develop medical conditions which may affect their balance and the strength of their bones. In short, they generally become more susceptible to injury. Thus, it is vital that they should take extra steps to keep themselves fit and healthy. Also keeping a wound care cleaning wipes is advisable for such situations.

  • Physiology in Older People

Older people often suffer from severe injuries like falls, bleeds, or burns as any younger person does. But the main problem here is that they don’t respond to medical services in the usual way. Thus, it is crucial to understand the physiology of older people and give them the medicines according to their recovery speed. 

  • Fatal Falls

Most of the accidents of the elderly are either falling from stairs or slipping on a wet floor. However, it is not necessarily the cause of death; it can result in a significant decline in health and confidence, which might contribute to a significant reduction in the quality of life.

  • Other Injuries

Furthermore, the main injuries in this age group include:

  • Bruising or crushing
  • Cuts
  • Wounds resulting from straining 
  • Twisting a part of the body 

Most common locations for accidents: in general, these occur in the bedroom, kitchen, and the living room. 

Things to Know Before Using First-Aid While Assisting Elderly

  • Identify the common hazards and take preventive precautions
  • Understand how aging affects the elderly’s body
  • Calmly approach any injuries or medical emergencies
  • Quickly identify if there are any life-threatening injuries
  • Don’t think twice before calling an ambulance or seeking medical advice

Below are certain things that older people need to be made aware of:

  • Loss of balance while getting out of bed or chair due to sudden movements
  • Clean the spills on the floor immediately to prevent slipping on them
  • The importance of using the right aid to carry out different tasks
  • Wearing wrong fitted footwear can cause different problems like swollen legs, severe pain, etc. Well-fitting shoes can help them with balance and stability
  • Grab support to sit down in the bathroom and kitchen as it could be helpful if someone is prone to dizzy visions or mobility issues

 Wrapping Up

Remember to restock supplies. Ensure that you leave a note for any substitute caregivers informing them where to find the first aid kits and also the emergency contact information. For this, you can even add an automatic reminder to your calendar so that you can keep a check on your first aid kits  monthly for items that are expired or need restocking.