Helmets a must.

[Tttp]

Hi everyone I have made many comments concerning falls, my brother has had PSP for 6 years now and has fallen many times, bad fall 2 years ago with a brain bleed the bleeding stoped thank God and he did not have to have surgery also many stitches to go along with the fall. My son is the one who mentioned a helmet got one for him and that was the last of the head trauma, of course the falls continue he gets scratched up and brusised at times but nothing serious. I really recommend a HELMET, save their head and face and ears from serious injury. Nettie

[Tttp]

Sorry meant to add one more comment the helmets at medical suppley, are kinda small went to a sports store and told the man what we needed it for he showed us a football helmet said it covers his whole head, ears and protects his nose and face he took the full face gear off it!s been a godsent. Nettie

[Teeker in reply to Tttp]

Hi Nettie, my husband was diagnosed with Parkinson's for 8 years. In August of last year he was re diagnosed with PSP. He used to have lots of falls when he would hurt his knees badly. I bought him a pair of workmen's knee pads and they have worked wonders. It's is soft on the insides and hard on the outside providing a good protection for his knees. Hope this info is helpful. Much lovexx

[Tttp in reply to Teeker]

Thanks Teeker everything helps would like to wrap him in bubble wrap to protect his whole body. Ha alittle humor we all need that. Take care. Nettie

[easterncedar in reply to Tttp]

I thought about bubble wrap, too. Wouldn't a fall make a racket!

[millywigg2]

My hubby wore his ski helmet for quite a while as his falls were v bad before he finally got diagnosed,then we got the stair lift,a god send x

[easterncedar]

We discussed helmets with his doctor and would have gotten one if he had kept falling, but since he is mostly seated now, in a wheelchair or armchair, and never on his own, the falling danger is fading. I spent a couple of years in terror. This is an easier phase in some ways.

[ketchupman in reply to easterncedar]

Totally agree! Every time I would hear a loud noice or a thud, my heart would race knowing that Kim probably got up on her own and fell. When she became totally dependent on me for her movement, it actually became a relief to me. We did try the helmet thing with some mixed results. You might read my other reply. Hope you guys are doing ok.

Ketchupman

[Tttp in reply to easterncedar]

I know my brother is wheel chair bound but we're having a preset hard time transporting just to sit on the commod he keep falling off so would keep the helmet on for that but last week ordered a great commod it is just like a wheel chair wheels and all but a potty chair not to difficult now, getting ready for a hospital bed think it would make things a lot easier. Take care. Nettie

[ketchupman]

We bought a helmet for my wife, something similar to this: rehabmart.com/product/soft-... Although I think ours cost over $200. She hated wearing it and would often forget to put it on before she got up from her recliner. I'd have to remind her constantly to put it on. She was never willing to wear it out it in public, but she was always holding on to me or in the wheelchair, so it wasn't necessary. But when she "felt" she was more independent around the house, she would attempt to get up and would soon fall, even with the aid of a U-Step weighted walker. Kim had 6 trips to the Emergency Room over an 18-month period due to falls to the head. Each time she would have to be stitched or stapled, along with a bunch of x-rays to make sure she didn't have any major damage. Each trip usually cost me/insurance about $1500. So the helmet was a pretty good investment, as I know it saved us a couple of trips when she had a really bad fall with the helmet on. We ordered one that was skin-toned, so it was more pleasing to her. It comes with straps to keep the helmet from falling off, although she really hated having the straps on. And I totally agree with easterncedar about it being easier when they are no longer trying to be so mobile.

Ketchupman

[jillannf6 in reply to ketchupman]

helmets and knee pads are a must also i wear my knee pads 24/ 7 i still fall out of my wheelchair and have bent my glasses and scratched 1 lenz badley whilst on holiday last year and had to replace them at a huge cost to myself my three probs atm are my bowels, binoculars eyes and my balance

lol jill

xxxxxx

[easterncedar in reply to jillannf6]

Hi, Jill! Yes, the glasses are a big problem for us, too. I'm impressed at how mobile you are. They must make them tough in Yorkshire! Lots of love back to you, ec

[Gracie_Girl in reply to ketchupman]

Hi ketchupman!

Thanks for the info. In light of my sister's latest fall and subsequent stay in the NICU, I'm definitely going to get a helmet and get her to use it even if I have to glue it to her head. Lol! I feel I have no recourse though.

Gracie girl

[Tttp in reply to ketchupman]

Hi my brother never wanted to wear his helmet out either so we just hung on tight.

[Heady]

Hi, I remember buying Steve a rugby hat, when he was still able to go out into the garden. The only problem, they have holes in them. Yes, you guessed it, he fell and the very sharp rock, that he hit, found the holes and cut him. Still I suppose it did save a nastier injury. He was too scared to go out after that.

Lots of love

Heady