HELPING SENIORS REGAIN CONFIDENCE AFTER A SERIOUS FALL
We have written countless articles about the reason for falls, the risks of falls, prevention, and the financial as well as physical costs of recovery after a fall. Falls are the #1 reason for re-hospitalization of the elderly. For this article, we are going to focus on the loss of confidence and emotional impact that falling and the resulting injuries can cause. Both of which create a fear of falling and lack of confidence that can actually cause more falls!
Frequent falls with serious injuries could understandably cause a fear of falling, making your elderly loved one feel less able on their feet. They are afraid to get back to their normal routine, and may even cut back on activities which makes them become depressed and withdrawn as a result.
An active lifestyle like going for walks, taking the stairs, or exercising regularly is what they need to recover post surgery, post hospitalization, and after therapy. Choosing to be less active can weaken the muscles that are needed for strength and balance – the muscles needed to prevent falls.
To keep their independence, Seniors must regain their confidence and reverse their fear of falling. Here are some practical steps to get a loved “back on their feet again,” with confidence in order to resume their lifestyle:
• Understand their concerns and bring up the fall in a sensitive manner. Don’t avoid the subject. Instead talk about the reasons it happened, possible solutions, and an action plan to fix/change what’s wrong, whether in the home or with a medication. Let them tell you their worries, and be sure to take them seriously.
• Make some measurable goals so they can see progress. Maybe it is taking a walk in the park in 6 weeks, or getting back to doing their own shopping and cooking in 3 weeks. Being able to shower on their own with grab bars and a seat, or visiting the beauty parlor might also be good for inspiration to work hard to gain confidence.
• Arrange for a “coach” like a friend or family member to provide support and a watchful eye to prevent falls when they are back at home and “in training,” regaining their strength and balance as well as their confidence.
• Remember a rehab therapist only sees one side of your loved for a few hours a day or a few days a week. Folks tend to due great when they are being pushed and cheered on by the therapist, but often slide backwards a bit at home when reality (and fear) sets in because they are alone and on their own.
• Evaluate their progress in a few weeks. Be sure to be encouraging. And patient. If they are not reaching their goals, see if you can pinpoint what the issue is or what is holding them back. Speak to the doctor or therapist if they are not following directions or their exercise recovery routine at home.
• The aim is to reduce their anxiety. If they keep tripping on a rug, roll it up and remove it. If they fell outside on a walkway, better shoes and a walker or cane could provide more support. Perhaps they just lost their balance and could start some simple strength and balance exercises at the direction of a therapist. If they get dizzy on standing, check with the doctor again about meds and prescription interactions.
Contact Us: Recovering from a serious fall takes time and patience. It is not always easy for a family member to provide the comfort and support, or hands on care a loved one needs while recuperating. Home visits from Visiting Angels’ caregivers and companions can reduce the risk of falls when your loved one is under watchful eyes. Our professional aides also serve as that neutral third party to encourage the client, give them the confidence to get up and out, remind them to practice their therapy exercises, monitor medications, and provide transportation to and from therapy/doctor visits. Put our award winning services to work for you and your loved ones.
Till Next Time!
Irv Seldin, JD, MA
President and Owner, Visiting Angels of the Palm Beaches
*THIS ARTICLE IS NOT INTENDED AS MEDICAL ADVICE.