Experiencing a fall can be a traumatic event, leaving your elderly loved ones feeling vulnerable and anxious. While anyone can suffer a fall, it is far more common among the elderly, particularly those with limited mobility due to health conditions.
Falls often lead to injuries that can temporarily hinder mobility and independence. While the severity of fall-related injuries can vary, it doesn't have to result in long-term consequences. Proper recovery management is crucial to restoring quality of life.
In this post, we share advice on how to help your elderly loved ones recover from a fall at home.
What to Do if They Fall at Home
If your elderly loved one falls at home, it's important for both of you to stay calm. If no injuries are apparent, help them up slowly, allowing them to hold onto a sturdy object with both hands while offering support.
However, if they are in pain or seem unable to move, do not attempt to move them. Instead, call for medical assistance right away.
How to Prevent Falls at Home
Although it’s impossible to eliminate the risk of falls entirely, there are several measures you can take to reduce the likelihood. As cognitive functions, health, and mobility often decline with age, it’s essential to prioritize both fall prevention and recovery.
Here are some simple steps to help prevent falls:
- Ensure your home is well-lit, especially hallways and stairs.
- Use non-slip mats in bathrooms and kitchens.
- Keep the home clutter-free to avoid tripping hazards.
- Install handrails in key areas like bathrooms and staircases.
- Consider mobility aids (PMAs), such as Mobility Scooter or Powered wheelchairs / electric wheelchair, when needed.
- Clean up spills immediately.
- Store frequently used items within easy reach to avoid overextending.
Mobility aids, like canes or walkers, are invaluable tools for maintaining independence and preventing falls. They should not be seen as a sign of weakness but as a way to enhance safety and mobility.
At Falcon Mobility, we offer an extensive range of PMAs and accessories designed to prevent falls and assist in recovery.
Supporting Recovery After a Fall
Physical injuries from a fall often receive immediate attention, but emotional trauma can linger longer. While medical treatment and physical therapy, such as physiotherapy, can aid in physical recovery, emotional healing may take more time.
A fall can leave your elderly loved ones feeling anxious, vulnerable, and fearful of future incidents. Offering emotional support and reassurance is essential in helping them regain their confidence. In cases of severe trauma, consulting a mental health professional can also be beneficial.
In many cases, suffering from a fall may mean adjusting their living environment to enhance safety and reduce future risks.
Conclusion
Falls can be frightening for the elderly, but they don’t have to mean the end of independent living. With the right precautions and support, many falls can be prevented, and recovery is possible with the right approach.
If your elderly loved one struggles with mobility due to a health condition, it may be time to consider appropriate mobility aids. Falcon Mobility, a leading distributor of electric wheelchairs and scooters, offers a wide range of products designed to improve safety and comfort at home.
Learn more about our products at www.falconmobility.au today!
TEST DRIVE before making your purchase! Free of charge.