Care and Support Following a Fall

Wellbeing After a Fall 

Falls are a common reason for hospital admittance especially when it comes to older adults. 

Getting the right treatment in a healthcare setting is important, but getting appropriate support after discharge is also key to your loved one’s wellbeing. This means that extra support can be beneficial during the period immediately after returning home, in order to keep your loved one safe and independent. 

If your loved one has recently been discharged from hospital following a fall and you’re worried about their wellbeing, Right at Home’s hospital-to-home service can help keep them safe and well at home.

Fall Prevention for Elderly Loved Ones

Returning to life as normal after being injured is often challenging, especially for older adults recovering from a fall. 

There are some changes you can make to your loved one’s home environment and some behaviours to encourage that are listed below, that can help ensure they stay safe following a fall.

You could also consider outside support from a care agency such as Right at Home. With professional care and assistance, you can have confidence that your loved one is in safe hands and you will receive regular updates about how they are getting on, alleviating any worries you may have.

What to Do After Returning Home

After returning home, there are various strategies to support your loved one to stay safe and well, depending on their specific situation. This can include encouraging or helping your loved one to:

• Maintain physical activity (appropriate for fitness level and ability) as this can help with balance and strength
• Use a walking aid, or other aids for balance and stability 
• Carry a personal alarm or keep a mobile phone on them at all times
• Eat well and stay hydrated so they don’t feel faint
• Have regular eye and hearing tests as poor hearing can affect balance
• Stay informed about side effects of medication and the risks they can exacerbate 

Your loved one may have developed a heightened fear of falling, which can prevent them from living their life as they normally would. It’s important to address fear of falling, as this can become a risk factor in itself. 

There are also ways to make the home environment safer for your loved one after hospital discharge. You could consider: 

• Installing grab rails in places that may be helpful such as by steps and in the bathroom
• Minimising clutter and keeping floors clean and clear
• Putting a non-slip mat in the bath or shower
• Using bright lights and night lights for better visibility
• Quickly clearing away hazards such as spills on the floor

If you need help assessing your loved one’s home for potential hazards, Right at Home can provide help with this and make suggestions to improve the safety of their home environment. 

Local councils also offer free assessments and can suggest adaptations to your loved one’s home such as stairlifts, ramps, and wider doorways. You can find out how to get in contact with your local council regarding home adaptations online.

How to Talk to Your Loved One if You’re Worried

After your loved one returns home after a fall, you may find yourself still worried about their wellbeing, especially if they live on their own.

At the same time, you might find it difficult to bring up your worries with them as you don’t want to seem overbearing or patronising. Remember, the right level of care will help your loved one stay independent for longer, so approach it from this angle, especially if the reason your loved one is hesitant to accept help is because they value feeling self-reliant and having their own routine.

Communicate to your loved one that getting the right support will enhance their independence and ensure they can continue their usual routine and lifestyle as much as possible. Involve them as much as you can in the decision-making process and discussion to ensure their personal preferences are reflected in their care.

What Kind of Support Can Your Loved One Access?

Getting support from family or care services can make a significant impact on your loved one’s wellbeing.

Many people opt for homecare services as a way to make sure their loved one will have the support they require after being discharged following a fall.

Our experienced care professionals can offer personalised, one-to-one support in your loved one’s own home, delivering assistance with: 

• Daily routines and personal hygiene 
• Light housekeeping
• Medication and health routines 
• Liaising with healthcare professionals
• Booking and accompaniment for follow-up appointments 
• Ensuring a safe and comfortable home environment
• Respite care

Our care and support plans are always tailored to individual circumstances and are flexible enough to adapt to changing requirements. This means you can be sure your loved one is receiving the right level of care for them.