Bad fall

Anonymousjpl123 · July 22

Just as things were finally settling in to normal my mom had a bad fall. A very serious and deep cut/head injury requiring staples and stitches. Fortunately great health care near her MC.

The doctor even discussed pros and cons of keeping her overnight while waiting for test results (we opted to bring her back to the MC with care, since longer hospital stays can be hard for dementia patients.)

She’s now fine, back in her room and resting. Any tips on how to avoid this turning into a catastrophe? I know bad falls can cause trouble.

Quilting brings calm · July 22

Bad falls are more prone to turn into catastrophes when a broken bone is involved - especially a hip. Sounds like your mom avoided any broken bones and surgeries requiring anesthesia.
I think the big concern moving forward is whether she’s a fall risk from now on. Why did she fall? Does she use a walker? If not, should she?
My mom was a fall risk the last year or so if her life. I don’t think the falls mom has then shortened her life, but they did cause her discomfort due to compressed vertebrae fractures, bruised ribs, etc. She fell out of bed a couple times, so the AL took her mattress and box springs out of the frame and put them on the floor. That way she didn’t have so far to fall.

When she went on hospice and then basically quit eating, they eventually stopped allowing her to get out of bed because she was too weak to walk even with the walker. You don’t have to worry about that yet though.

JulietteBee · July 22

My greatest concern for your mom would be a cerebral bleed. Did they do a CT scan of her head?

If she isn't already doing so, have her wear non-slip socks. Lose all fuzzy bedroom slippers. As far as shoes, sneakers only! Remove all area rugs. Have her use nightlight. Bathroom I suppose has grab bars by the toilet and in the shower stall.

Anonymousjpl123 · July 22

thank you @JulietteBee for your thoughtful responses! She has been having trouble with walking more, has a walker for the past six months, but often forgets/doesnt use it. Just got results back and she tested positive for Covid, as well.

Even when we went for short walk a few weeks ago with the walker she had a no injury fall. So definitely something going on.

Thankfully no broken bones/surgerey/ anesthesia. I just need to make sure she stays in bed. What a drag. She’s definitely getting more fragile. I’m just glad she avoided the worst - even though this was pretty bad.