Three hospital falls with carers in a year - ok?

[Supersimkin2]

DM has Parkinson’s and after a welter of solo escapes and A&E falls, she’s no longer allowed out without a carer.

But even with a carer she’s had three falls requiring hosp admission in a year.

I know Parkinson’s = falling over, but could we expect more from the carers? They’re not trained but she won’t tolerate anyone else.

Yes, people in very good care homes do still fall - my DM did, more than once. They can’t watch - or be right beside someone - every second. The only reliable way to stop my DM falling would have been to tie her to chair or bed. She had been given a Zimmer frame but would either forget to use it, or just didn’t want to.

You can’t stop people falling all
the time, that would be unreasonable.

Thank you so so much for the info. Progress being made while DM rests up.

My DF has Parkinsons and when he was still at home he fell on two separate occasions while I was in the room with him. He never got on with a stick as he couldn't get his coordination right but he has had more success with one of those 3 wheeled walker things that you push along.

Yes, I think if she is falling so often, a wheeled walker might be necessary. I think you might have to get bossy with her, because she isn't being fair or reasonable. Tell her if she doesn't use a stick or walker she won't be able to go out so much because it's not fair on you or the carers to be spending hours in A& E or to be constantly worrying that she'll fall.

^^This. It’s definitely not the carers’ fault. My mother had multiple falls because she wouldn’t use her zimmer frame or a walking stick. She was extremely stubborn and unreasonable, no one could get through to her that sh wasn’t safe to mobilise unassisted 🤷🏼‍♀️
You’re being extremely unreasonable.

I have had to use a rollator since I was 46 due to a disease not dissimilar to Parkinson's. Yes it's horrible and you feel people are looking at you but it's for your safety.
I think your mother is being very selfish to put you through this worry. How old is she?

Thanks again - DM is BU, we know it. She won’t cooperate and it’s unfair.

The things we get asked to do as carers..

Can you come downstairs backwards and hold DMs hand as she comes down - NO

Can you walk behind the zimmer and catch them if they fall please? - NO

We need a big, strong carer to lift Ddad out of bed - NO

Honestly the list is endless!

Can you walk behind the zimmer and catch them if they fall please? - NO

If you are supervising someone walking with a Zimmer frame, of course you should assist them to stay on their feet if they stumble. "Catching them if they fall" is not really what that request is at all. This may need two people if necessary.

That is totally different from your first example which is bat-shit unsafe.

Has she had a recent medication review? Some BP medications can cause more falls etc especially when these medications aren't needed anymore.
Some people especially the elderly still keep on taking the meds that they were prescribed for years and never get a review on which ones are still actually needed.

Just a thought