Falling
I know that PD is not a "Killer" disease. My falls are becoming more frequent and I can no longer brace myself as I have in the past. So afraid that one of these days it could be more serious than a few bumps on the head, skinned knees, bruised fingers..etc. I am on CarbidopaLevodopa. No one seems to get a grip in what's going on! Especially me ☹️
It is frustrating to begin experiencing more frequent falls and sounds like something you should discuss with your neurologist. Do you use a cane or another assistive device? A physical therapist can assess what might work best for you to keep you safe. As I am sure you know falls can result in serious injuries.Best of luck,
Thea DeStephano Community Team MemberWe attend a Zoomer's class twice a week to help my hubby with his balance. You may want to check to see if there is one near you. Each class is one hour. He also walks every day for 45 min. This seems to have improved his falling. Good luck!!
Great topic: My Mom W PD has recently fallen four times, been in hosp one week, with me one week, and rehab for one week, in independent living care. Okay. She needed a rollator. I had heard PD's needed a UStep or a Rollator that helps with a stand-up, more wheels around, (cost more but it's my mom I ordered). When it came, she was: "it's too big, I want a regular one." Irritated? You have no idea how many approvals from docs I had to garner. That said, she ordered another one, and I was stuck with the first one as it was a special order. I want to keep it if anyone here can give me a good argument to do so. She didn't want a rollator either. Acceptance? Not exactly. She's told me no to assisted living, and she's not going to use the rollator when she gets her strength back, and I truly hope so. Any info on best rollators and why? She is on a path she's not accepting: Saying you have PD and acknowledging the upcoming changes are very difficult/different, and she's a typical PD person. 85 yrs old, recently widowed, and living not far from me, her only daughter. Brothers just want to visit a few times a year.
CindeeSunnyFl I am sorry to hear of your mother’s frequent falls recently. Her refusal to accept needing a rollater is most likely her wanting to keep any independence and very frustrating for you. Hopefully she will come around if she realizes a walking aid will actually increase her ability to function more effectively and need less assistance. I wish you luck in attempting to help her come to terms with it. Please contact us for anything we may be able to assist you with. Thea DeStephano Community Team Member
CommunityMemberd0f103 thank you for your post. Falls themselves are a major issue with older adults and it is magnified substantially in the presence of Parkinson's disease. Frequent falls are a severe complication, and you should contact your Movement Disorder Specialist immediately. Why? Because you could fracture your hip, fall on your head and bleed into your brain. And remember, falling could be contributed to sight issues, hearing problems, balance disturbances, drug-induced issues, and stiffness from Parkinson's. JUst thinking about this list, it is possible that one or more features may contribute to one falling. You are correct, this is something that we older adults should be afraid of, but look into the above points, and be vigilant in your approach to prevent falls. Frank C for the PD.net Team.
