title: Some alarming facts about older people who cannot get up after a fall.
abstract: Lying on the floor for a long time after falling is more common than previously thought among the 'oldest old' and is associated with serious consequences. Older people who are unable to get up off the floor risk complications such as pressure ulcers (often exacerbated by incontinence), carpet burns, dehydration, pneumonia, hypothermia and even death.