First Aid For The Elderly - Things To Know

By Author: Paul Clifford
Total Articles: 161
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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.

Paul Clifford is the Owner & CEO of Medguard. He aims to strengthen the healthcare infrastructure of the country by supplying medical devices and consumable products of top-notch quality.