Falling

[littlebillie]

My DM has started falling and can hardly move with arthritis hence the falls - any advice on the way forward

Two-fold - talk to GP, referral to specialist. Secondly, get an OT assessment by whatever means you can - we did it through District Nurse team. OT was able to provide grab rails, "perching stool", zimmer frames (one for upstairs, one for downstairs) etc. And although my dad used to refer to her as "that bloody woman" shewas in fact very helpful (and seemed to be genuinely concerned about my father).

Echo what dint says- also referral to local falls team who have been brilliant with dm, home assessment, equipment, and visiting physio.
Reflexology has helped dm too.

Occupational therapy were great with my parents. They were able to help with adjusted toilet seats, walking frames and general advice too. And they were really lovely and very professional and treated them with dignity and understood their reluctance to 'give in' and ask for help.

Would also make sure she has a medication review - sometimes interactions between medications can cause falls or drowsiness etc.

Lots of regions have a “falls clinic”. Ask Gp to refer- they can check whether cause is multifactorial too so not just known legs giving way but contribution of BP swings, side effects of medications contributing, blood flow etc as well as providing OT support.

Excellent advice already but it might also be worth speaking to Adult Social Services and request an assessment for your DM under the Care Act.

We have all the grab rails and zimmers, she is just falling now with those in her reach. Also because we have had a few in the last few days her confidence is shot. It's really difficult to know for the best, she has capacity and is determined to stay at home

What does the doc say? What age is she?

Has she got a falls alarm? Or telephones reachable from the floor? Is she able to get herself back up?

Is it time to think of a wheelchair or mobility scooter if it would help her stay at home?