There are things we tried to do to minimize my father-in-law’s falling.  We made sure that he had his vitamins and minerals, especially, calcium and vitamin D.  We also tried to get him to exercise every day although he often tried to get out of doing it.  To make it easier for us to work with him, Jill drew up a contract saying that he would cooperate in his care which included showering, eating, and exercising.  She had him sign it and whenever he objected she would bring it out.  Jill made him read it and then get his agreement to exercise.

We also put a touch lamp next to his bed so he could have light if he wanted to get up.  Sometimes he would forget to put it on.  A better solution would have put a sensor that would have put the lights on when he got up from bed.

Other things a caregiver could do would be to get the correct footwear, have all medications reviewed for side effects, and treat underlying medical conditions.

Recovering from falls has a lot to do with the attitude of the elderly person.  An article in the Nov. 8, 2008 issue of the NY Times illustrated the difference attitude can make.

“Katherine Aliminosa, 93, shattered her lower leg while getting snacks for nieces.  Susan Arnold, 87, broke her hip hanging a photograph.  By early autumn, Ms. Aliminosa had graduated to an independent living apartment, and was able to get around with a walker.  She looked like a different person: more robust, content.”

“Though six years younger, Ms. Arnold never recovered her strength after hip surgery.  Her muscles atrophied from inactivity, and she developed pneumonia.  She died on Sept. 6.”

Ms. Aliminosa began a strength training routine which not only improved her physical condition but also renewed her spirit.  Ms. Arnold’s response was, “I have no strength.  Let’s talk about depression.”

In providing elder care it is helpful to remember that your elderly parent’s physical condition is composed of systems that don’t function as well as they used to and that the medications they are taking for those compromised systems don’t always work together well.