Northern Riverview Encourages Rebuilding Confidence After a Fall

It’s not pleasant to consider falls among elderly patients, but Northern Riverview Healthcare Center believes it is important to examine post-fall recovery as the best response to these unfortunate accidents. Falls are the number one cause of injury to the elderly in America, and the ability and confidence to bounce back from them can have a lasting impact on a senior’s health.

Even elderly patients who have not experienced a fall may live in fear of suffering one. It is important that we take this fear seriously, and that we appreciate the trepidation a patient may feel about engaging in certain activities following a fall. Nursing staff and family members should be compassionate about a patient’s fall-related concerns, while also working to instill confidence in measures taken to avoid future falls.

Balance and strength are both important factors in combating fall probability. However, patients should start slowly with exercises and activities that build their confidence. Successful physical activity strengthens balance, flexibility, and muscle memory, while inactivity sacrifices those things. As such, it is essential that elderly patients feel comfortable participating in regular physical activity without fear of injury.

Identifying and eliminating potential causes of falls is another key preventative factor. Staff and patients need to be on the lookout for clothing that catches on environmental objects, potential obstacles, and various slipping hazards, in order to reduce the risk of falling. Transitions from sitting to standing and vice versa should be undertaken slowly and with caution and planning. Finally, patients and staff should avoid rushing actions and attempting to execute questionable maneuvers whenever possible.

To learn more about Northern Riverview Healthcare Center and all of the services they offer, visit http://northernriverview.com/.