The Reality of An Older Person's Fall

A fall creates more than broken bones and bruises. Its greatest curse for an older person can be immobility.  Lying or sitting for long periods of time, waiting for a hip, femur, tibia, knee or ankle to heal takes its own toll.  A procession of bedsores, muscle atrophy, bladder infections, and pneumonia can dramatically reduce quality and length of life.

I took the published warnings and dire predictions to heart.  "No falls" became my mantra - "Whatever you do, don't let her fall!"   Caregivers have seldom been more than an arm's length away when Mama has been on her feet. We developed strategies to reduce the chance that she would trip or stumble:

• Her shoes have straps that keep them from sliding off
• A wheelchair carries her on long distances, so she doesn't get tired and drag her feet
• A "gait belt" around her waist, gives us a safe way to hold on to her when she is walking  (See example:  http://www.ebay.com/itm/Quick-Release-Transfer-Gait-Belt-60-Cotton-Gaits-Medical-Caregiver-Belts-/111095037287)
• When we let go to open a door, pick up a package, etc.,  we "anchor" her by making sure she is holding on to a door frame or handle
• We remind her to lift her torso when walking, instead of bending downward and plunging forward
• Bed rails prevent her unattended walking at nap time or at night

This intense monitoring for five years has prevented many mishaps, but not all.  There is no doubt that her good life has been extended, and there's no overlooking two serious falls - both when she was just inches beyond the reach of our best caregivers.   Both required hospitalization.  The truth is hard to accept - every effort to avoid a fall is worth it, but there is no 100% protection.