Why Might Your Elderly Loved One Resist Fall Prevention Activities?

When you first start to talk to your loved one about fall prevention, you might be surprised to find her resisting your attempts to keep her from falling. Here are some of the more common reasons you might be meeting resistance.

Home Care Lexington NC – Why Might Your Elderly Loved One Resist Fall Prevention Activities?

She May Think it Won’t Happen to Her

Many elderly loved ones know someone who has fallen and gotten injured, but they still may not believe that the same can happen to them. If your loved one falls into this category, it might help to have her doctor talk to her about how common falls are for people in her situation.

She May Believe a Fall Is Just Expected

On the other side of the spectrum, your loved one may be of the mindset that at her age, she’s just going to fall, no matter what. This doesn’t have to be true, though. Your elderly loved one can find ways to compensate for her balance issues and to make herself stronger, which can help her to avoid a fall.

She May Feel that Falls at Home Don’t “Count”

Your loved one might believe that falls in places other than her own home are far more dangerous than falls at home. In fact, your loved one might even believe that falling at home doesn’t really count as a fall. This might especially be the case if your loved one has thick carpet or only has a single-story home. Let your loved one know that even small falls can cause injuries and should be taken seriously.

She Might Believe She Can’t Do Anything to Prevent a Fall

This can go hand in hand with the belief that a fall is inevitable, but your loved one might feel that there is nothing that she can do if she’s at risk of falling. The truth is that there is plenty that she can do, starting with talking to her doctor about her health and her medications. From there, she might need physical therapy, assistive devices, or simply extra help around the house.

She Might Feel that Using Assistive Devices Removes Her Independence

One reason that your loved one might resist using assistive devices is that she can feel that using these tools robs her of some of her independence. The reality is that your loved one can actually be more independent when she uses these devices because they help her to maintain her balance and stay upright.

If you’re having a difficult time getting around your loved one’s objections, senior home care providers can help you to learn other ways to share with your loved one that you’re concerned for her safety.

If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care Services in Lexington NC, please contact the caring staff at Tender Hearted Home Care today. (704) 612-4132.