Balance exercises to stop mum from falling?

Wellyboots6

wii fit with balance board?

There are plenty of balance exercises on there (and it would maybe help with her weight too). Was looking at getting one for my gran who is as wobbly as anything, but my grandad beat me too it!

sleepless_saver

There are specific exercises designed for falls prevention - see some examples here - and there may even be a falls prevention programme near her. Approaching the GP or the practice nurse or local physiotherapy service would be the way to find out about these.

But she could just have an ear infection....

tanith

But exercises aren't going to help if she has a balance problem because something is wrong , such as an inner ear problem, it could be vertigo for instance .. and its not only older people that are helped by using a walking stick , it doesn't have to be a permanent aid but if it prevented a fall that could possibly break a hip then its worth thinking about..

daska

:rotfl: if I were hung up about age I'd still be stuck on the floor behind the wardrobe waiting for help...

murphydog999

Balance comes from core and muscular strength from both the upper and lower body, and this is the key (as long as other medical problems are ruled out). There is a company called 'Physio supplies' who sell a lot of tools (online) that are used in patient rehab to increase muscle strength; have a look at some of these as they can be fairly cheap - particularly wobble boards and resistance bands - and they will give you an idea what is available, you could then google how to use them, or find expert help in that field.

I wouldn't recommend she uses anything like this on her own she will need to be supervised.

Just small things like concentrating on good posture, and pulling in her internal 'core' muscles when standing or walking, will start to help. Also, balancing on one leg, lifting the other leg slowly and steadily forwards, backwards and sideways, with the use of a chair/person as an aide if needed. It's not just the big muscles that need strengthening, it's the small muscles in the knee and ankle that also need work, and things like wobble boards are really useful for this.

Hope that helps.

Mojisola

elsien wrote: »

Nothing major, but enough to make her want to do something about it as it's happening more often.

I did suggest a visit to the doctor for a referral to someone who could recommend specific exercises for balance (and a general once over to rule out anything physical), but she won't go - doesn't want to waste their time, and there's no chance of talking her into it.

Worried enough to do something about it apart from the most obvious and the simplest - see the GP. How frustrating for you!

doodoot

Tell her that you will look into finding some exercises once the GP has given her the all clear.

My mum was exactly the same when I was trying to get her to see the GP - she didn't want to waste their time, she was sure it would clear up soon....yada yada yada.

What she really meant - and admitted after being dignosed with a benign tumour that required major surgery - was that she was scared to hear bad news.

Be firm with your mum, offer to make the appointment and go with her.

My Grandma had balance problems when she was in her 80's and she was diagnosed with vertigo.

Once she started her meds she was as right as rain.

puppypants

Another vote here for getting checked by GP. Could be labyrinthitis, vertigo, blocked eustacian tubes. There are tablets available to treat balance problems due to ear thingies! (can't think of my words today, sorry)

nappentass

FWIW - if you can find someone in your area that offers a therapy called Emmett Technique, then I suggest she try it out - Emmett has some specific work that can very quickly improve physical balance and stability which is so beneficial for older people.
Where this doesn't work I recommend my clients see a GP as the cause may not be muscular, so that also may add weight to her talking to her Dr
hth

margaretclare

elsien wrote: »

Can I just add a request not to get too hung up on the age thing.
While I realise that older people are at more risk of doing themselves a mischief if they do fall, mum really is a young 73. She does voluntary work with disabled kids which is why she's realised that getting up off the floor is more of an issue than it used to be on the wobbling front.
I appreciate the suggestions, but aids and adaptations really aren't the way to go at the moment.

I couldn't agree more, not to get hung up on the age thing. I am 76 and when I had occasion to visit our newest and youngest GP recently, he said I am still young. I could have kissed him!!

You mentioned mum is a 'bit overweight'. This can make a difference. I have lost about 2 1/2 stone over the past 3 years, back to 10 1/2 stone from almost 13 - doesn't sound a lot, but I'm not even 5 ft tall so every pound does matter. And I am finding a huge difference. Also, the gym. If it's a decent gym there will be qualified and experienced trainers there who can work out an exercise programme for her. I find what's best for me is aqua-aerobics and I go to LA Fitness 3 x a week. My legs have got a lot stronger, I'm a lot more agile and active than I used to be. Or, if she swims, that's excellent exercise too. Our muscles do get weaker (a) as we age and (b) if we don't use them. Use it or lose it! Good that your mum does voluntary work. She may need to lose some of that weight, though, and that may need a change in what she eats. Just a few suggestions.

HTH