My pensioner father won't walk through fear of falling
Posted , 3 users are following.
So my dad had a stroke last march 2021. he's always had irrational fear of falling over but lately its been getting worse and worse now to the point where he wont stand up.
His chair is next to his bed but instead of standing up and turning to sit in the chair. he'll slide into the chair in very shaky fashion.
I've witnessed him try to walk just 3 metres and half way through his legs will seize up and i had to catch him.
How do i get him help? should i be looking for a councillor or something. he wont leave the house either.
Im stuck. help.
0 likes, 2 replies
Guest martin67800
Posted
Hi, I'm sorry to hear what you and your father are going through. Since the pandemic, my mother has hardly left her house, probably twice in two years. She too is afraid of falling although she hasn't had a stroke and is capable of looking after herself. I think she has lost her confidence to go out even though I have offered to take her but that hasn't always been possible either as there is some distance between our homes.. With all the news about the pressure on hospital staff and with the thought of catching covid etc, I think she is afraid to go anywhere.
I think if I were in your situation I would firstly speak to your father's doctor to see how best he can advise you. He should be able to recommend some ways in which you can get support, maybe visits from a health visitor, physical therapist, social workers etc. If he is sitting down or lying down all day he could get pressure sores so he needs help with ambulating. If you are in the UK, you can contact Stroke Helpline 0303 3033 100 or emailhelpline@stroke.org.uk. There must be similar organisations in other countries too. I hope you will find help soon because the pressure will eventually catch up with you too. Take care, best wishes.
Sofi4563 martin67800
Posted
Hey there, I work with people with Osteoporosis, and many of them are terrified of falling. I'd suggest talking to your father's GP, and see if he can start having physical therapy to improve his strength and balance. Once he starts feeling stronger his confidence will increase. Also, remove things that may make him trip, such as carpets, electric cords on the floor, etc. Having supportive rails in key areas such as the bathroom, stairs, will also help.