14 October 2020
It’s balance and falls month at Healthcare Pro, and this week it’s all about helping your relative to keep their balance and avoid falls when they’re out and about.
If your relative is worried about keeping their balance, you may find that they tuck themselves away at home where they feel safe. There are some things you can do to help them build their confidence and get out and about again.
Poor, ill-fitting footwear could increase your relative’s risk of falling. Help them to check their shoes to make sure that they’re still in good condition and the fit is right. It’s important to check the soles as well – their shoes should have a good grip. Smooth soles will leave them liable to slip and fall if they step onto a wet clump of leaves, patch of mud, or even when stepping on wet floors in a shop.
The brain relies on visual cues to help work out where a person is in relation to their surroundings. If it’s dark, it then becomes harder to work this out – even more so if they have poor vision anyway. It also makes it easier to miss slip and trip hazards like wet patches, clumps of leaves, mud, random things strewn across the path and dog muck – to name a few.
If walking after dark is unavoidable, try and get them to stick to well-lit routes. It’s also worth looking into putting a light outside their home, if there isn’t one there already, to help light their way when they go in and out.
Having a bit of extra support may be enough to help them build their confidence for leaving the house again. Yet getting a mobility aid can feel like a big step so even if it’s the right step for them, it may take a little convincing.
Which mobility aid to get will depend on their needs. If they only need a little extra support a walking stick may be enough. Walking sticks now come in a variety of types and styles so you can easily find one to suit their tastes. If they aim to walk to the shop and back, a three-wheeled rollator with a bag may be a better option as this will give them support and a place to put their shopping.
For those who need more support, a four-wheeled rollator is a great option. Many come with a bag to hold their shopping and a seat that they can rest on if they need to.
If you’re not sure what mobility aid would work best or if it’s right for your relative, our helpful team of in-house occupational therapists are on hand to answer your questions. You can phone the Expert Advice Service on 0345 121 8111 or email productadvice@healthcarepro.co.uk
It’s important to encourage your relative to speak with a doctor if they have any concerns about their balance or risk of falling. Their doctor can then rule out any medical issues and offer further help and advice.
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