As people age, the fear of falling can increase, especially for those who have experienced a fall already. But, as counterintuitive as it may seem, the fear of falling actually increases a person’s fall risk.
Seem strange? It’s not really, if you think about it.
Here's a Scenario
Jim is 86 years old, and he took a spill about a month ago. He was mainly bruised up and sore for a few days, but the fall took more than just a physical toll.
In a way, the fall injured him psychologically too. In fact, it scared him badly. It hurt, and he knows the next time could be worse. So now Jim is worried about falling again. As a result, he’s playing it safe and only moving around the house when absolutely necessary. And, since he’s moving around less, his muscles are beginning to weaken.
Weakening muscles mean that when Jim does move, he has even less stability and control than before. And the more weak and instable he becomes, the less he wants to walk.
See the Pattern?
It’s a vicious cycle. The less he walks, the more his fall risk increases when he does have to walk.
Not only that, but the fear is causing him to become more and more isolated — no longer going out to participate in social activities or even just going to the supermarket where he is around others. The lack of human interaction can cause depression, and depression is known to increase risk of falls.
So What's the Solution?
In a perfect world, Jim would have had fall prevention solutions throughout his home to prevent his first fall. But that’s in the past at this point. So the next step is to do everything possible to help him feel safe and comfortable again walking around his home.
If you have a loved one in a similar situation, what can you do to help?
Here are some ideas:
- If possible, talk with them about their concerns. Where are they most afraid of falling? What do they think would help them be more confident? Not only can this shed some insight, but it could also help get their buy-in to potential solutions.
- Suggest solutions based around their feedback, as well as make additional solutions based on your own observations.
- Consider bringing in an expert like an occupational therapist. They will not only assess them and their abilities, but they will also assess the entire living environment and make suggestions on ways the home could be safer and more accessible – ultimately resulting in a lower fall risk and more peace of mind for your loved one and your family.
Of course, Jim’s example is fictitious, but a similar fear of falling is very real for many seniors. If possible, take time to observe and talk with your aging loved one. A few simple modifications and bringing in expert help could make a world of difference.
How COR Freedom Can Help
If you’ve noticed any of these warning signs, it’s time to take action before a fall happens. At COR Freedom, we specialize in making homes safer with:
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