Senior Care in Lincoln CA
Your parent fell. No major injury occurred, only slight bruising and a continued sense of foreboding. Now they walk with certain timidity with hands that grip nearby rails and eyes that stare determinedly at each careful step. Fear of falling has overshadowed the walks they once enjoyed and you can see them spending more time in the recliner and less time on their feet.
This scenario is all too common. The Center for Sports Medicine and Human Performance at Brunel University reports that “the fear of falling (FOF) has a profound and largely detrimental effect on balance performance in older adults.” It’s well known that adults who fall once are twice as likely to fall again.
The Vicious Circle
Once a senior has fallen, they take extra precaution to ensure it does not occur again. Unfortunately, the change in posture and movement only serves to reinforce another fall. Their body stiffens, no longer producing smooth, balanced movement. Their feet shuffle instead of taking confident steps. Their eyes focus on the ground instead of the trail ahead. Their fear manifests exactly what they are trying desperately to avoid
How to Break the Cycle
There’s a certain truth to the saying, “When you fall off a horse, you have to get back in the saddle.” Those that fall need to restore their confidence by taking appropriate steps to regain their certainty of movement.
- Balance. This is one of the first areas they need to address. If they can increase their sense of good balance, they have won half the battle of returning to an active life. They may need support during this time of transformation such as working with a physical therapist, personal trainer or someone certified in one of the many exercises that promote increased balance such as Tai chi or yoga.
- Strength. Strong and flexible muscles provide the basis for effective walking. If joints affected by arthritis leave your loved one hesitant to exercise, suggest movement that is gentle on the joints such as water aerobics or stationary bicycling. Begin with baby steps such as 10 minute walks through their neighborhood. If fear has left them totally immobile, consider starting with a mobility support device such as a walker. Make an appointment with their health care provider to ensure it is well-fitted.
Senior Care Provider
A senior care provider can offer assistance with the daily activities of living while your parent regains their confidence. They can help them navigate through the home, accompany them on walks and provide transportation to classes that support balance and strength. They can provide a sense of camaraderie, letting your parent know that they are there to encourage and support them on their road back to an active life.
If you or an aging loved one needs senior care in Lincoln, CA, remember Senior Home Care Services. Call us at (916) 514-7006 for more information.
Resources:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/fear-of-falling-one-trip-can-cause-serious-damage-heres-how-to-avoid-it/2016/01/11/fbe94564-a2a5-11e5-b53d-972e2751f433_story.html?utm_term=.012ada1a6f54
http://www.gaitposture.com/article/S0966-6362(14)00705-X/abstract?cc=y=
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