Every year millions of older people suffer falls resulting in physical injuries, affecting both mobility and functioning, as well as causing pain and discomfort to our loved ones.
In addition to the physical injuries of a fall, an older person will also feel emotional, affecting their quality of life. Helping them emotionally to handle the aftermaths of a fall will help them recover more effectively.
Try these three tips:
Acknowledge it. An older person may feel their response after the fall is too dramatic, or they ignore the fall entirely, and this may cause them to not discuss it. Acknowledge that they have gone through something frightening and that it is alright for them to feel what they are feeling
Recognise the risk. Suffering from one fall does increase the chances of an older person suffering from another fall. Recognising this risk and acknowledging it lets them know that you know that they are facing a more difficult situation and are prepared to give them the help that they need
Encourage them. After a fall, an older person will feel many emotions, ranging from distress at the changes in their physical functioning to fear that they will fall again, but that does not mean that they should just stop engaging in daily activities. In fact, avoiding activities can further diminish their quality of life and increase the possibility of another fall. Show your loved ones encouragement and emotional support to help them regain their activity. Take things slowly and help them to embrace that even if they are facing challenges and diminished function, they can still enjoy their later years.
If you have noticed that your older persons’ needs have increased, that you have not been able to handle them due to your own challenges and limitations, or you simply think that they would benefit from more diversified care, now may be the ideal time for you to consider starting home care for them.
Here at River Garden Care, we understand that a loss of mobility can leave a client feeling very dependent and frustrated at not being able to do the things they want to do. Our care workers also become valuable source of emotional support and companionship, helping to boost their mental and emotional health throughout their later years.
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