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Dear Carol, My mother is doing very well on a cognitive level, but she is relying on a walker. Even though she is fairly stable, the walkers can catch or lose their balance, so she reluctantly agreed to let me get rid of her throw rugs. For more protection against falls, I installed grab bars in her bathroom, near her bed and in the hallway where we prepare her to go out. The biggest problem in recent months has been snow and ice. I will soon have to put the car back at the clinic for another appointment and I am already beginning to understand how to do it safely. – VH.
Dear VH, I am happy that you are working with your mother on falls prevention.
Area rugs are always a concern. During my years as a caregiver for my neighbor, I hid the rugs from his bedroom and bathroom because he had fallen victim to so many falls and he was more likely to fear. The memory of my approach makes me cringe, but hiding them was my only option and I was soon forgiven.
Beyond these changes, ask your doctor to review his medications to determine which ones might increase his risk of falling. If there are medications that contribute to a foggy spirit or dizziness, the doctor may be able to make adjustments. It's not always possible, but it's good to stay informed about all potential problems. In addition, any exercise that your mother is able to help maintain or improve her balance would be positive. Her doctor may have suggestions or she may want your mother to see a physical therapist for a personal program.
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I understand your stress on ice and snow. I carried a coffee can filled with sand in my car. When my mother had to get to a difficult place because of the icy rides, I parked as close to the building as possible. Then I get out of the car and scatter sand so that she can roll the walker without slipping. I helped her out and guide her on my sand trail and then repair the car if necessary. The sand, while messy, proved to be a valuable help.
Another idea would be to borrow one of the wheelchairs from the clinic. I often did it by putting on the sidewalk folded in the armchair handles. It was awkward and made it difficult to descend in the snow, but the fight was worth it if we prevented a fall.
You may also want to explore the following resources. The National Council on Aging, available at https://www.ncoa.org/healthy-aging/falls-prevention, covers the subject well. In addition, Leslie Kernisan, MD, MD, MPH, offers excellent tips on falls prevention on her website at https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/falls-topic. Thom Disch, who has dedicated his professional life to falls prevention, is also a good resource. Its website, www.handiramp.com, offers useful products. His book, entitled "Stop the Slip", is full of advice. The book is available on Amazon.
Carol Bradley Bursack is a veteran caregiver and established columnist. She is also a blogger and the author of "Minding Our Elders: Caregivers Tell Their Own Stories". Bradley Bursack hosts a website for caregivers and seniors at www.mindingourelders.com. She can be contacted at [email protected].
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