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Critter Corner: How to Talk to Your Loved One About Their Mobility Issues 

kiwi mangoDear Kiwi and Mango, 

I recently noticed my mother was having mobility problems. We were at a family gathering this past weekend, and she was in the living room when she lost her balance and fell. This happened a few other times recently in her home and mine. She was always quite athletic and a yoga enthusiast, so it’s unlike her to lose her balance like that. She won’t admit that there may be a problem and seems embarrassed about it, so it’s really hard to broach this subject with her.  

I understand that Farr Law Firm is focused on Elder Law and Estate Planning in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC, and that some of your clients may have loved ones experiencing mobility issues, similar to my mom. What could be causing these issues and what is the best way to bring them up with a loved one? 

Thanks for your help! 

 Mo Bilitee 

 

Dear Mo, 

Many older adults are reluctant to talk about falling because they see it as a threat to their independence. But falls are a serious topic, as a single fall can change someone’s life significantly. If a loved one has fallen recently, they are likely afraid of falling again. That’s why it’s important to broach the topic with sensitivity and to consider reasons why the falls could be occurring.   

As birds who write for the highly experienced Elder Law attorneys (also called Elder Care attorneys) and Estate Planning lawyers in multiple locations (Fairfax, VA; Fredericksburg, VA; Annapolis, MD; Rockville, MD; and Washington, DC) we have complied some helpful tips to discuss mobility with loved ones and actions to take to help assist them:  

  • Be prepared for them to avoid the topic but bring it up often. Be respectful, but persistent. They may try to shrug off the fall by saying things like “I just tripped,” or “I’m clumsy.” Encourage action over fear. Try to get to the true cause and help them identify changes they can make to prevent similar falls in the future. 
  • Let them know that you noticed a change and are concerned that they may be afraid of falling.  Ask questions about what led to the change. Discuss things they can do to lower their risk and help them make changes to their home, health, and habits.  
  • Once you’ve started the conversation, making a medical appointment is an important next step. 
    • Get an evaluation. See where you’re starting from. 
    • A physician might do a strength test, a gait and balance evaluation, and/or order a bone density scan. The doctor will check things such as blood pressure and heart rate after standing and look for underlying conditions. Hearing and vision should also be checked. 
    • The physician may suggest ways to improve function and/or prescribe physical therapy, which Medicare covers when it’s deemed medically necessary; or discuss surgery options or medicines that might help. 
    • If your loved one’s vitamin D level is low, the doctor might encourage taking vitamin D3 and vitamin K2 for bone health. Or to improve bone density, a suggestion might include eating more calcium-rich foods, such as milk and yogurt, or using a vibration platform as part of your loved one’s exercise regime. 
  • Do a pharmacy review. The doctor can also check your loved one’s list of prescribed and over-the-counter medications to see if anything may have side effects, such as dizziness or sleepiness, that could lead to falls. 
  • Pay attention to diet. Dehydration can lead to weakness, so make sure your loved one stays hydrated and limits their alcohol use. 
  • Walkers and canes can help with balance. Folding step stools with handrails are a far safer alternative to reaching high places than chairs or other furniture. Other devices, such as tools for reaching and grabbing, can keep a loved one from over-extending and losing balance.  
  • Modern walkers are both more attractive and more stable than older varieties, Salamon says. Some come with seats and baskets, four wheels, and even hand brakes. 
  • Suggest that she stay as active as possible, and join her if you can! Studies show that increasing your physical activity by a small amount every day can really have very powerful effects on fall prevention. Even trying to walk 10 to 15 minutes, just at a comfortable pace, every day seems to help prevent mobility decline. Strength training is also helpful. Tai Chi can help build up muscle and help with balance. 

Elder Law and Estate Planning Provide Peace of Mind that Lasts a Lifetime 

As someone who cares for or about an older loved one, you need to strike a balance between ensuring their safety and respecting their right to make decisions for themselves. Besides assisting your loved one with fall prevention, be sure to give them much-needed peace of mind by encouraging them to plan in advance, working with the Farr Law Firm, and doing Incapacity Planning, Estate Planning, and Long-term Care Planning. 

Hope this helps! Stay safe out there. 

Kiwi and Mango 

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