Ain't Nobody Here Posted March 3, 2008 Share Posted March 3, 2008 (edited) Some of you will know that my 87 year old dad fell recently and gashed his head open (15 stitches ). He's recovered well from that but yesterday he fell three times. Once in the middle of the night going to the loo, last night about 10pm getting up from his armchair, then at 11.15pm in the bathroom. My mum is 83 and just can't lift him. The first time my brother (who was there for the w/e) got him up, and the other two I came round (I live 5 mins away luckily). My mum called the District Nurse number she'd been given but was told if my dad weighed more than 6 stone they weren't allowed to lift him but would make him comfortable (ie a pillow under his head ). My mum could manage that . They came round anyway to check and were lovely (my mum apologised for slamming the phone down ) but weren't much help. Luckily I work 5-10 minutes away (part-time) so can always help in a crisis, but I'm worried where this is going. He's really gone downhill recently and walks with tiny shuffly steps. Mum can't really take him out any more as the risk of him falling now is too great. I know you can't really help (although I know you'll have some useful advice) but you're all so lovely and caring, I just wanted to offload some of my worries . Edited March 16, 2008 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted March 3, 2008 Share Posted March 3, 2008 Oh dear...what a worry for you. Ask the GP to visit.....and insist on a hospital referral. A few simple tests might show something up that can easily be treated. All the best. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted March 3, 2008 Author Share Posted March 3, 2008 Mum called this morning to say he fell again in the night. She didn't want to call me ( ) so the District Nurses came round and managed to get him onto a spare mattress on the floor. He's now stranded there as he can't get up. Mum is in a state so I'm going to go round there now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mad house Posted March 3, 2008 Share Posted March 3, 2008 Does he walk with a frame, maybe that would help him. Tell him to get up slowley, maybe he is just geting up too quickly for him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinnamon Posted March 3, 2008 Share Posted March 3, 2008 Our neighbour is elderly,heavy set & on his own, & suffered some sort of event last year which has left him unable to move around without a frame. This works well, & he also has an emergency button,so if he does fall, or as has happened a few times the power goes when he is halfway up the stairs in his chair lift,he can get someone out to help him. We are key holders. However,last week I was cooking supper & I could hear (only just!) him calling for help. Lucky Hubby was in, as he had fallen & banged his head on a table,& couldn't get up Get your Dad to the GP right away. It might be a simple medical thing which they can fix to help him with his mobility. But if not they can give him a walking frame & help you to get a chair lift & bath rails fitted. I know its a big step & your dad may see it as a sign of faliure, but his safety & your Mothers peace of mind are paramount. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted March 3, 2008 Share Posted March 3, 2008 Poor you and Dad ANH. He definitely needs checking over, as Cinnamon said, get him to the GP. (((hugs))) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buffie Posted March 3, 2008 Share Posted March 3, 2008 So sorry about this. Hope they come up with the right support very soon. BBx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fur 'n' Feathers Posted March 3, 2008 Share Posted March 3, 2008 So sorry to here about your dad. The government has been focussing on falls in the elderly in the last few years because it is an increasing problem and worry. It's right that your dad should see the GP. There are also Therapists (Occupational and Physio) specialising in this area and there may be a service where he is. Ask your GP to refer him... he has the right to an assessment!! There may be a variety of things that can be done. Hope this is helpful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeckyBoo Posted March 3, 2008 Share Posted March 3, 2008 I've got nothing to offer other than ditto to the above and to say good luck and best wishes to your Mum and Dad, hope it's easily remedied. Mrs B Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
little chickadee Posted March 3, 2008 Share Posted March 3, 2008 Hugs from over here ANH. I hope that something can be sorted out. Hope that knowing we're all thinking of you helps a little bit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickencam Posted March 3, 2008 Share Posted March 3, 2008 I can't help either but I am sending best wishes for you and your parents. My grandad is 88 and very wobbly on his feet and when he comes over for lunch I am paranoid that the children will leave something in the way and he will trip. It could be one of these viruses that upset the balance mechanism in the middle ear, it is definately worth a doctor visit. i sometimes think old people get ignored on this type of thing because it is just seen as oh it's their age Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tiggy Posted March 3, 2008 Share Posted March 3, 2008 ditto what everyone has said, many areas have specialist falls clinics at the local hospital, you need to get dad to the GP. there is more help available for older people these days but it varies from area to area but your GP will be able to help, lots of hugs to you & mom & dad Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
feemcg Posted March 3, 2008 Share Posted March 3, 2008 What a worrying situation - I hope you get adequate support from the GP and other services. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickenlass Posted March 3, 2008 Share Posted March 3, 2008 I wonder if he has low blood pressure? I know of a friend who's father kept falling down and it was his BP. He really must get back to a doctor as if it is BP medication will help hom a lot. YOU must be very worried...I'm so sorry ...sending a hug. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted March 3, 2008 Share Posted March 3, 2008 so sorry to hear this ... a GP visit is definitely the start, he/she will be able to refer your dad for other services. Don't panic, it could be something simple like a virus or low blood pressure as others have suggested, but he is at risk from the falls if this goes on, more than from whatever is causing it. I do hope you can find out what is going on, there are lots of things which can help him with stability/mobility. My dad used to fall from time to time, and because we all lived quite a way away, mum used to ring for an ambulance - they would get him up, check him over and then go on their way. She always felt bad about it because it wasn't strictly an emergency, but they never seemed to mind. There will be two of them, and they are better able to lift than the District Nurses. Big hugs, I know what you're going through and it is a difficult time isn't it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 3, 2008 Share Posted March 3, 2008 yes, it could be something medical. Does he feel dizzy when he gets up? Could be blood pressure, vertigo or Meniere's disease; they all affect balance. Or it could be something to do with the bump on the head he had? Best get him checked over by the GP and don't forget to mention that bump on the head to them. Hope you can get it sorted, your poor dad. Good luck xxx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 3, 2008 Share Posted March 3, 2008 I'm assuming he didn't fall before he hit his head so badly (falling!). Therefore you need to know this isn't a result of the accident. Get onto the GP straight away and organise some tests to find out why he keeps falling. That seems to be a lot of falling over which has come on very suddenly. Good luck ANH! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
baby bears mum Posted March 3, 2008 Share Posted March 3, 2008 Agree with all the above especially getting to the GP. Just sending you, your Mum and your Dad loads of hugs and warm thoughts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theherd123 Posted March 3, 2008 Share Posted March 3, 2008 Cant really add anything to whats already been written Thinking of you and hoping things improve soon xox Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlottechicken Posted March 3, 2008 Share Posted March 3, 2008 Cant really add anything to whats already been written Thinking of you and hoping things improve soon xox Same from me too. There's some really good advice given on here! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clur Posted March 3, 2008 Share Posted March 3, 2008 It sounds like a walking stick or a frame could help provide some additional stability in the meantime? Hope your doctor can help and/or refer him to the relevant mobility clinic at your local hospital. Best wishes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karen & co. Posted March 3, 2008 Share Posted March 3, 2008 You and your parents are having a rough time Get him checked out by his GP asap, just to put everyones mind at rest. Take care of yourself too Karen x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clucky1 Posted March 3, 2008 Share Posted March 3, 2008 I have just seen this. I HOPE he had a better day today. We have borrowed bits from the salvation army in the past. They always used to lend things out. Maybe worth a call. Love to you and your mum and dad. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted March 3, 2008 Author Share Posted March 3, 2008 Thanks so much everyone. This is just a very quick update & I'll let you know more soon. He's in hospital being assessed (which might take up to a week with physio etc ). Bless him, he's very stoic and calm (unlike mum !) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted March 3, 2008 Share Posted March 3, 2008 Glad to hear that - I'm sure he'd rather be home, but they will work out exactly what's going on. And meanwhile you and your mum don't have to worry about him falling over. I do hope they can sort him out, physio and occupational health are brilliant in my experience and can suggest all sorts of equipment and aids to make life easier. I hope the doctors can find out why he's been falling over, as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
