Elderly mum had a fall 😞

dbrookf

My mum is 86, very independent and out every day shopping/visiting her friend/playing bowls. She looks a good 15 years younger and keeps herself looking good.

This week she has had a fall which has resulted in a black eye, severe bruising and swelling on her face. She is being a real trooper about it but I worry about her going out in future in case she has lost confidence which can happen after a shock like that.

Does anyone recommend any mobility aids that she might agree to, i.e. something that does not look like she has given in to the ageing process!

Ms_Chocaholic

Where did she fall? At home or whilst she was out and about? Did anything contribute to the fall, she tripped over a kerb etc.

dbrookf

Ms_Chocaholic wrote: »

Where did she fall? At home or whilst she was out and about? Did anything contribute to the fall, she tripped over a kerb etc.

She tripped over a raised piece in the pavement when she went to her bowls match...

Ms_Chocaholic

dbrookf wrote: »

She tripped over a raised piece in the pavement when she went to her bowls match...

This could happen to any one of us; does she really need a mobility aid?

Gers

So sorry to read this.

My 89year old has now given in and uses a sparkly walking stick. She was / is a bit wobbly sometimes and finds the stick really helpful. At first she wouldn't countenance anything but is now much happier. It folds up small enough to go into a bag.

You're correct about the confidence being lost, it took my DM a while after she tripped over a badly fitted carpet grip a couple of years ago.

Accepting the need for a stick is half the battle. I hope she recovers both her health and her confidence soon.

Islandmaid

Dbrookf Contact Age UK - they can do an assessment, and offer aids at a discount (I think they are VAT free).

My MIL is 85 and fiercely independent, she finally agreed to have a handle on the bathroom wall after she couldn't get out of the bath one day, she also now carries a very pretty walking stick as she has missed her footing on occasion.

It's true when they say that you never get older in your head, just wish the body would be the same :rotfl:

GERS Snap :T

Mojisola

dbrookf wrote: »

This week she has had a fall which has resulted in a black eye, severe bruising and swelling on her face. She is being a real trooper about it but I worry about her going out in future in case she has lost confidence which can happen after a shock like that.

If this has happened, get her to ask if there is a Falls Clinic in her area. They were brilliant with my Mum and Dad - made them much more confident and helped them with aids when they finally needed them.

dbrookf

dbrookf wrote: »

My mum is 86, very independent and out every day shopping/visiting her friend/playing bowls. She looks a good 15 years younger and keeps herself looking good.

This week she has had a fall which has resulted in a black eye, severe bruising and swelling on her face. She is being a real trooper about it but I worry about her going out in future in case she has lost confidence which can happen after a shock like that.

Does anyone recommend any mobility aids that she might agree to, i.e. something that does not look like she has given in to the ageing process!

UPDATE spoke to Mum today and asked her if she thought she would be okay to go out on her own again in future – and she said yes of course, why not?! :T she is such a trooper and I am very proud of her!

Islandmaid

Glad your Mums feeling okay x

zippychick

As this has dropped down the OS board, i've popped it over to the families board to see if you can get any further support or suggestions over here

I hope it all works out for you and your Mum

kind regards

Zip

Hi, we move threads if we think they’ll get more help elsewhere (please read the forum rule) so this post/thread has been moved to another board. If you have any questions about this policy please email [EMAIL="forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com"]forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com[/EMAIL].

Mee

Sorry to hear about you mum, but pleased things are looking up. Even so, it may be a good time to be candid with her and to seek some advice and/or implement some changes.

The following have and may prove helpful:

NUS Choices - with link to Age Concern assistance

***NHS Inform - Preventing falls includes some excellent advice (& video) on dealing with a fall

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents - Older People Safety

Red Cross mobility aids (hire) and community equipment service.

Most councils have a independent living team or similar who can advise and assess your mum's needs. She may be fit and healthy as you describe, but they can advise on how to stay that way. They may suggest installing grab rails (which some install for free) which she may not like or want, but may help her keep healthy or future proof her home.
There are less intrusive changes you can make, such as improving lighting etc:
See:
BT newsletter

Safe Living Guide - a Canadian pub - but has good checklists.

AgeUK Disability equipment and home adaptations

Do remember we all fall at all ages, and sometimes it's simply an accident with no underlying cause. However, it is always best to see a doctor to identify any injuries (physical and mental) which may make future falls more likely.

Good luck