Falls among older adults are an unfortunate reality of daily life in care homes, supported living facilities, and sheltered housing. But what often gets overlooked is that the greatest danger isn’t always the fall itself, it’s what happens next.
For too many elderly residents, the real crisis begins in the long, helpless wait for assistance.
“She wasn’t hurt, but she still spent six hours on the floor.”
— Care Home Manager, Woking
This is not an isolated case. Across the UK, staff are trained to call NHS 999, but with ambulance delays stretching into hours, residents are often left waiting on cold floors, unable to move. In that time, risks multiply and dignity is lost.
Why “long lies” are so dangerous
According to Age UK, the complications of a “long lie” can be life-changing, even when the fall itself caused no direct injury. The risks include:
- Hypothermia from prolonged floor contact
- Pressure ulcers on hips, back, and shoulders
- Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown releasing toxins)
- Dehydration and acute kidney injury
- Emotional trauma and loss of mobility confidence
For many older adults, just one long wait on the floor can mark the end of independence.
Why carers can’t always lift safely
Even when a resident seems unhurt, carers are trained not to lift without medical clearance. An incorrect lift could worsen hidden fractures, spinal injuries, or put carers themselves at risk.
Specialist lifting devices can bridge this gap, such as:
Yet not every care setting has access to this vital equipment.
The Fall Response Unit: A new safety net for home carers and the elderly
Recognising this urgent need, Team Medic is launching a dedicated Fall Response Unit in Surrey, Berkshire, Sussex and Greater London — a rapid-response service designed for non-injury fallers.
👉 This is why Team Medic has partnered with Home Instead: to provide immediate, professional fall response, restoring dignity and reducing harm.
The service will:
- Deploy trained responders within 60 minutes of a call
- Use advanced lifting equipment such as the Raizer Chair and Mangar ELK
- Provide on-site triage to assess whether hospital care is required
- Support care staff with safe, effective lifting solutions
- Reduce unnecessary ambulance journeys and A&E admissions
“Our Fall Response Unit is designed to restore dignity and safety — without the long, distressing waits.”
— Clive Palumbo, Commercial Director, Team Medic
What care providers can do now
While the Fall Response Unit is being rolled out, providers can still take steps to reduce the risks of long lies:
- Review your falls policy
Make sure it aligns with NHS falls advice and best practice. - Invest in lifting equipment
Tools like the Raizer Chair, Mangar ELK, and HoverJack give carers safe lifting options on-site. - Train staff in triage and first aid
This helps carers recognise safe lift scenarios and respond confidently. - Minimise harm during waits
Keep fallers warm, hydrated, and repositioned to prevent pressure ulcers, following Age UK guidance.
Beyond safety: restoring dignity
Imagine lying on a cold floor for hours — anxious, uncomfortable, and alone. Now imagine instead that within 60 minutes, trained responders arrive, lift you safely, check your vitals, and settle you comfortably.
That’s the future Team Medic and Home Instead are working towards: a service where no one endures the hidden crisis of a long lie after a fall.
For care providers, it’s about more than safety — it’s about reassurance, dignity, and independence.
👉 Care providers in Surrey, Sussex, Berkshire & Greater London can contact Team Medic today to learn more about preparing for the Fall Response Unit rollout.
