There can be nothing more crushing than hearing that your loved one has suffered a fall. Our aging loved ones are not as strong as they once were, and it is critical that we spot risks early and do our best to care for them to the best of our abilities so that they don’t repeat these accidents. The first two weeks are most important for care, so make sure you support your loved ones and assess the situation as best you can.
For families in Brisbane, seeking support for elderly loved ones who have experienced falls, consider reaching out to an NDIS provider Brisbane.
Respite care
Respite care is short-term care which brings carers to your relative’s home, or to a residential aged care home. These carers are trained professionals, so they know the best procedures when looking after an elderly relative who has suffered a fall. and may be confused and disorientated.
Respite care also offers families a short break to recharge, and take care of other steps to prevent future falls. For families who may be considering a permanent aged care home for their relative, respite care offers a taste of what the nature of the care is and how your loved one responds to the support and environment.
Modifications made to the home
Falls are common in the elderly population, but there are modifications that can be made to the home to reduce the risk of fall. Modifications to the bathroom can include a chair in the shower, as well as a railings for the shower, bath and toilet.
Bedroom and living room modifications can include removing trip hazards (rugs, unnecessary furniture), and improving the overall lighting. They may also be tasks in the home that are no longer reasonable for your elderly relative to carry out, such as putting out and bringing in bins and collecting mail for the mailbox. It may also be worthwhile looking into an alarm for their home in case they fall again.
Check up with the GP
Attend a GP visit with your relative and give an honest synopsis of how they are today, and if there has been any deterioration lately that could be cause for concern. After these incidents occur, it is always responsible to ask if they think they are strong and well enough to live alone and looking after themself.
If you have not already, ask the GP if they are safe to drive and if not you can take the keys from your relative to be safe. Also, do some preliminary eye testing while you are with the doctor in the clinic.
Balance exercises
Depending on the mind and body strength of your relative, have them working on some balance exercises to restore their confidence and stability. These exercises are completely safe (no tightrope needed!) but be sure to stay with them the first couple of times they try them just in case. After that, they can continue these exercises on their own. If you have real reason to believe there may be a greater issue with their balance and body, you can see a physio. Before you do so, get the approval from your GP. Remember they do not have the tough bones and muscles that they once did, so this won’t be a viable option for all.
Over the next two weeks, set a robust plan in place to make sure that you mitigate all existing and future threats, while also getting the all-clear from the doctor. It is quite likely that respite care may be the option for you, as it is constant care from trained professionals – allowing you peace of mind knowing they are happy and safe in the best hands.
