Posted on May 27, 2010 - by Nurse Virginia

WHAT TO DO WHEN THE CONFUSED ELDERLY FALL IN THE NURSING HOME

This is one of the most dreaded calls from the Nursing Home. “You’re Mom fell.” You’re first reaction is natural, whether you say it or just think it. “Why do I have her there, isn’t that what you people are supposed to be doing, keeping her safe and off the floor?”

Supporting the confused elderly’s right to walk includes, however strange it may sound, the right to fall.

What to do after the elder falls.

When a family member learns of a fall the first question should be:

Ÿ  “Did anyone see the fall?”

Ÿ  “Did she hit her head?”

Ÿ  “Does she sound like she is in pain?” (A groan for example)

Ÿ  “Are there any outward signs of pain?”

There are many benefits from walking if elders are able to do so. Yet too often families want elders forced into wheelchairs prematurely to keep them “safe” after a fall. Elders want to remain as independent as possible. Even those who are demented but still able to walk can experience opportunities for interaction while “ wandering” the community. When wandering, they have opportunities for social interaction, such as when staff personnel greet them by name.

The elder can remain strong. They may wander, but they also maintain the ability to walk. As an added benefit, it enables them to work up an appetite, breathe deeper, and it supports the process of elimination.

General guidelines for families

When you have identified a change in the elder’s usual condition:

Ÿ  Don’t hesitate to voice your concern to the nursing staff.

Ÿ  Identify and talk to staff that may be more pro-active in problem solving.

Ÿ  Establish yourself as part of the team caring for the elder.

Ÿ  Be willing to participate as part of the solution.

Ÿ  Realize that seeing an unaddressed change in condition can be stressful. Try to communicate your concern without becoming overly emotional.

Ÿ  Pray for your loved one.

Excerpt from: Please Get To Know Me – Aging with Dignity and Relevance

By: Virginia Garberding, R.N. and New York Times Best Selling author Cecil Murphey

Available at: www.pleasegettoknowme.com