Fear of falling is very valid, especially for older adults. The problem is that the more afraid your senior is, the more she lines up conditions that make a fall something that is likely to happen. You can help her to turn that around.
Have Her Doctor Review Medications and Current Treatment Plans
As soon as you know that your elderly family member is uncomfortable about the idea of falling, it’s time to set up an appointment with her doctor. The first thing to address during this appointment is to review the medications that your senior is taking and how they might impact her fall risk. If there are any other active treatment plans, it’s also time to take a look at those and how they impact her likelihood of falling.
Consider Other Types of Treatment
It may be time to branch out a bit and to look at how and whether other types of treatment might be effective for your elderly family member. For instance, physical therapy can be a great way to get a handle on your senior’s mobility challenges and how to help her to move in ways that protect her mobility. Occupational therapy may be another option, especially if household tasks are becoming more difficult for her to do safely.
Embrace Moving More in Ways That Are Safe and Comfortable
If her doctor agrees that moving more is a good idea for your senior, then setting up a new exercise plan might be helpful. Many times people who are afraid of falling restrict their own movements, thinking that will help them to stay safer. Unfortunately, what this does is create a situation in which your elderly family member starts to lose mobility and muscle tone, making a fall more likely.
Look for Ways to Help Your Senior to Be Safer at Home
Adding safety gear, like handrails, to your senior’s home is one step in the right direction. Look for possible tripping hazards, too, like cords in a major pathway or rugs that are slippery. Reduce those issues as much as possible. It might also be a good idea to hire a caregiver to spend time with your senior. A caregiver can assist with mobility, companionship, and more.
Hopefully, taking some of these steps will improve your aging family member’s confidence at home and help her to avoid the fall that she is so afraid will happen.
If you or an aging loved-one is considering a Caregiver in Columbia, MD please contact the caring staff at Just Divine Home Care Agency today at (301) 219-1585.