Falls -

[SilverHawk]

DM has fallen a lot but has always taken any advice on board and attended the Falls Clinic. All okayish (fingers crossed).
My DF (94) has suddenly had two falls in less than a month. Both involving chairs. I think he's getting too weak to stand up properly.
Any ideas?
PS I did try and tell him that frames weren't just for women ...

Take him to GP to be checked over, lots of things that can cause this but best to get checked, they can then refer to OT/Physio as needed or falls clinic

Fat chance!
Really. As stubborn as.... not a mule.
I really don't know what to do. He has also refused scans recently.

You can email the GP yourself. Explain your concerns and his reluctance he might be able to send an appointment either with GP or direct with physio/OT. Without your dad needing to initiate it. Our local surgery will organise initial sessions at the GP surgery and, in exceptional circumstances at home.
Another option could be a private physio coming to the house.
In the mean time ensure that the floor covering is sound, no trip hazards, supportive slippers and shoes, and if you can work out the issue with the chairs - too low for him to stand from - not stable enough, arms not wide enough etc then try and rectify that.

So hard when they are as stubborn as... not a mule!!

Maybe an honest chat about what he wants and doesn't want investigating and go from there. If he's happy to take the risks then there's not an awful lot you can do and you will have to respect his choice, as hard as that is. Some older people just know what they want and won't budge as it's their only way if asserting their independence at this stage in their lives.

Might a rise and recline chair help?

Depending on where the chairs are, you could consider installing some grab rails whether or not he likes it and also around the toilet ("if you don't want to use them you don't have to, but they'll be there if you do need them")

You could always install extra measures "for Mum".

How much of a problem are the falls? Can he get himself up afterwards? Is he injuring himself when he falls?

Somehow I missed the bit about your DM. Could she be persuaded to ask you to install extra measures for her that also just so happen to be helpful for him?

I wonder if OT could come in, allegedly about your mum but (having been briefed in advance) quietly assess your dad too?

I'd be asking for a GP home visit & asking for them to rule out a UTI.

Any issues around capacity?

The above suggestion re a sit stand chair is good.

Best wishes, it's hard when they are so stubborn

I'm an OT....... what chairs are they? Could he be encouraged to use a higher chair? Ones with arms that he can push on to stand up. When sitting is he feeling the chair with the back of his legs before lowering down? Would he go to falls clinic with your mum if a referral could be made? Feel free to DM me if I can offer any more advice

Thank you, lovely ladies. You've come up with some very good ideas :)
I'm going up to see them tomorrow and will feel my way (very gently and subtly).
I'm not 100% sure of the chairs that he fell off. I know that it's not the one in the living room. I think one was upstairs and one was in the garage :s
They already have the loo equipment and there are grab rails in numerous places.
I will update when I'm back. Either with a head severely banged on a wall or a 'plan of action' (fingers crossed)

So far, so good.
All of your advice has kept them ticking over. thumbs up.