Falling in the elderly can happen for any number of reasons. Some may suffer a black out, others may feel strange before falling, where others may simply lose their footing. While falling can happen at any age, it can be a lot more serious in older people due to medical conditions or the body becoming more fragile over time.
Many falls do result in a trip to hospital, with many who fall requiring a stint in hospital while they recover from their injuries enough to be able to come home. There are a few important things that the doctors will consider in their decision to allow you home:
- How your recovery is progressing: If you are making a speedy recovery and seem well in yourself, this will go in your favour as opposed to someone who is feeling unwell and taking some time to pull around (which is understandable).
- What injuries you have: Breaks, sprains, torn ligaments, bruising and cuts can be very painful while they are healing and some injuries may affect your ability to perform daily tasks such as walking, cooking, or bathing, whether short term or long term.
- If you have someone to help you when you get home: It is vital that you have someone or a few people to support you while you recover, whether your daughter comes to make lunch, or your husband or wife helps you take a shower and get your bedclothes on.
- How well your home will support you: In the short term, you might have to avoid climbing stairs or using a bath if such things would be difficult. In the longer term, if any of your injuries will be long-lasting, there may need to be a few changes made to your home to accommodate your changed needs.
If your injuries affect your ability to bear weight, you will usually receive physiotherapy in hospital before being discharged with a wheelchair, crutches, a walking cast, or with a splint or support.
Occupational therapists may visit your home to assess what might need to change to help you do the normal day-to-day things. This may involve fitting your home with some rails or supports, adding a few pieces of equipment temporarily, or providing some care supplies so your needs can be met. If they don’t visit you, you can find resources online to help you work out what might be useful. Care Shop is an excellent website catering for all kinds of care needs and is a great place to start.
Once you get home, it is important you rest, but you should also be sure to do any physiotherapy exercises that you were advised upon. Sitting still is good for your recovery, but it should be balanced with, where possible, an appropriate amount of standing and walking. Your doctor or nurse will be able to discuss what you should be aiming for.
The physical rehabilitation is only part of the recovery from a fall. Quite often, a fall can knock confidence and make you feel nervous about going out again. Wait until you feel ready, and take it in small steps. Ask a family member to accompany you if it helps give you a little peace of mind. It does take time to rebuild confidence, but with baby steps, you can get back to the freedom you enjoyed before the fall.
Sometimes, there will be longer lasting changes, but don’t let any of it hold you back. Take the time to enjoy life and make the most of every day. If you need any support, speak to your doctor, local nursing team or your physiotherapist, who will each be there to offer advice at any stage of your recovery.
Written by The Care Shop Medical Team – Care Shop are suppliers of medical products for care homes and hospitals.
Rehabilitation after a Fall: What Happens Next?
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