SUMMARY:
The fear of falling is an emotional stressor that in of itself can precipitate a fall. Although it does take time, after a number of falls the fear of falling lessens. A certain confidence develops once the awareness of management takes hold. It doesn't happen over night but a pattern or rhythm of the body movement that takes place during a fall becomes apparent. People have better results, meaning less harmful effects, when they land on their dominant side.
Falling is not an event or activity that is foreign to me. If you asked anyone who has mobility problems, particularly those who use a cane, you would hear something similar. Of course familiarity always has its advantages and this is true for falling down as well. The fear of falling is an emotional stressor that in of itself can precipitate a fall. Although it does take time, after a number of falls the fear of falling lessens. A certain confidence develops once the awareness of management takes hold. It doesn't happen over night but a pattern or rhythm of the body movement that takes place during a fall becomes apparent. People have better results, meaning less harmful effects, when they land on their dominant side. More specifically, a right handed person who walks with a cane using their right hand will meet with less harm if they land on their right side. This is because our dominant side naturally is stronger due to repetitive use and as a result is more durable.
Falling down is less catastrophic emotionally for people with mobility challenges than for those without simply because being caution and alert to new surroundings becomes automatic. Once again, because of the familiarity of the experience individuals are less resistant to its occurrence. The saying “go with the flow” would be an excellent mantra to suggest for fall management. Generally the resistance to a fall is what causes the most damage. This is true for unsteady seniors.
Seniors are at a greater risk of falling and sustaining injury than younger adults and reports indicate that ¼ of home related injuries occur due to a misuse of furniture or equipment. What this means is that people often lean, steady or balance on supports inappropriately. Plastic lawn chairs without proper suction feet are not meant to function as a seat in the shower. Learning about products that prevent and assist managing falls can help seniors remain safely in their homes. As it is now, too many seniors are hospitalized and die as a result of falls that could have been prevented. Something as simple as a bathroom safety grab bar can save a life. This is advice worth grabbing.
