Falls

[12-35]

We have had grab rails fitted we're we think the most vulnerable points are but she still falling bad and is hurting herself

My daughter is her main career and my two sons fill in I'm pretty yousless at the moment as I'm in Hospitall as well

But I feel for sues sake and the kids we need more help any advice will gratefully excepted

[5-4-3-2-1]

Good morning! We also had grab rails fitted but I never let my husband move around by himself, especially when he needs to turn around. The feet just won't move or they stay immobile and then the falls happen. The eyes also stare upward into space and he can't look down. He broke a couple of ribs not long ago when he fell on the edge of the bath - it was very painful.

If only one can get extra help that can be funded by the medical aid or any health/support organisation - it will help a great deal.

Good luck x

[doglington]

I'm afraid my husband , although we have grab rails, cannot be left to move alone. I have to escort and balance him always. He cannot be trusted to co-operate with this. So he falls anyway.

Sorry this sounds bad but it is.

Jean x

[abirke in reply to doglington]

Yes and I have been fallen on countless times....

[Katiebow]

I never let Ben move about unless I'm with him as it just isn't safe. He uses his U-Step walker as support when getting around during the house and I follow him with a hand ready to steady him if he wobbles and prevent falls. He has a grab rail in the shower part of wet room and one next to the loo which are vital to help steady him but again always have to with him to help. I think it is quite difficult to get the message across to carers as to just how vulnerable he is when moving around and need to remind them that you need to be ready to help him regain his balance. He had a fall at the hospice on Tuesday because the nursing assistant wasn't supporting him adequately as he tried to transfer from dining chair to walker, seems they don't quite understand his balance problems. I also found the same with nursing staff when he was in the hospital for 13 weeks. It is so frustrating when you have told the senior staff to explain his needs during briefing meetings.

Lov Kate xx

[Yvonneandgeorge]

We also have grab rails but George can not use them anymore, he is In a wheelchair permanently. You need to get social services involved, you need some outside help. Xxxx

[pzagy]

Unfortunately, things will only get worse. Like Yvonne said, you need more help.

[Teeker]

Hi 12-35, so sorry to hear that your daughter is having lots of falls. My husband used to lots of falls and hurt his knees badly. I bought him some knee pads...the ones that are padded and has an outer hard layer that reduces the amount of damage. You can find them in large shops. They most certainly did the trick. Good luck and hope you are able to find them. Hope you feel better too. Sending hugs and much love to you and family.xx

[Marie_14]

So sorry to hear your wife is having falls. It is very frightening and very dangerous. My husband fell down the last 3 steps of the stairs. He broke both bones in his right arm. As he is right handed this has been a nightmare. Although they pinned it it is not right and never will be. He is now struggling to use utensils. So please,please, get some help as others have advised. Sounds as though you will need help yourself when you get home as well. Ask for help while you are in hospital for your wife and for yourself. They should sort it out for you. If not get one of the family to ring Social Services and tell them it's urgent. Good luck to you both.

Marie x

[Duffers]

Grab rails are fine if a person is steady enough to use them but if not then other aids are needed so do get in touch with social services and tell them it's urgent and that he is in danger every day. Good luck. Marie

[abirke]

Hi 12/35 I just read your first post. You say your kids had gene testing back then. How did that go? Does your wife have PSP or CBD. unless stated, I get confused....

My husband started off falling. like your wife, he was young when diagnosed....I got as many rails as I could. and he still went through windows and toilets and furniture and walls....He once put a dent in the brick wall with his head at church! Talk about a hard head!

So I tell you this that the best remedy for a fall is someone to walk with her at all times. She may not need or thinks she needs the intrusion...but it really is the only prevention....well a wheel chair but keeping her as independent as possible....letting her walk is important to her physical and emotional health. getting her to the gym and get her a program centered around core strength is also a good plan. My husband did it for quite a while....and though still progresse with psp, I feel like it did him good to exercise

If she has not has physical therapy, and occupational therapy, now is the time .

Welcome to this site....

Why are you in the hospital! I hope you will be on the mend soon....oh dear a caregiver who needs care...aint that a kick.....Thank God for children , Eh!

AVB