Tips that Might Explain Why Your Parent Is Falling

If you have elderly parents who may be having repeated falls and you are apprehensive about what to do to help mom or dad stop falling, you might look into some of these reasons:

Changes in Our Body Some of the reasons seniors tend to fall more often are changes in vision, lack of flexibility, less muscle strength, especially in our legs, and changes in sleep patterns. It is important to have an eye examination every year and wear the glasses as prescribed by the eye doctor. Exercise on a regular basis can increase muscle strength and flexibility and improve balance. Regular exercise will help you sleep better as well.  Also remember to check your parent's glasses to see if they are broken due to a past fall.  Perhaps it is time to have their glasses repaired or replaced. Chronic Health Conditions High blood pressure and heart problems can cause dizziness that can lead to falls. Remember to get up from a laying down position slowly if you have heart problems or high blood pressure. Many elders fall while trying to make a run for the restroom because of difficulty controlling the bladder. Talk to your doctor about what can be done for this condition. This will help reduce your risk of falling.  Check to see if mom or dad have had recent lab work.  Perhaps they have low or high blood sugar.  Speak with your parents about their eating habits.  Often the elderly will only eat when they are hungry.  Guess what, the elderly seldom get hungry. Medications Both prescription medications and over the counter medications can cause side effects such as dizziness or drowsiness. Talk to your nurse, physician, or pharmacist about the side effects to expect from your medication. If the side effects continue, talk to your physician about changing the medication. Make sure if you see more than one physician that each one knows ALL the drugs you’re taking. Take all of your medications, including over the counter medications with you each time you visit the doctor. This way the doctors will be able to see exactly what you’re taking and how much.  Speak with the doctor about prescribed medications your parents are not taking.  Often times, more than one medication is prescribed and the elder parent might think, "I don't really need to take both of the blood pressure medications".  Speak with the doctor if you've noticed certain medications are not being taken or if they are not taking medications on time.  Maintaining their medications are given in a way to maintain healthy blood levels may be necessary.  Tell the doctor if they are being taken sporadically.  Today, there are automatic medication dispensers that will give your parent audible prompts to remind them it is time to take their medications.