Two years ago my 78 year old mom fell on her face while walking up the driveway unassisted and has been terrified of falling ever since. She refuses to walk outside of the home unassisted by another person (refuses to use a walker, cane, wheelchair, etc., as they make her look old). Any advice as to how to get her confidence back?
I can understand your Mom's fear... what caused your Mom to take that tumble? Or was it just out of the blue, not shoe related or weather related? Or driveway surface related? If it was shoe or weather, then that is easier to deal with.
I took a tumble last month which took me by surprise, I pretty much fell off my sandals when my heel caught a line in the pavement, so now I am wearing sensible shoes and not afraid to walk outside again.
Now there is a question of vision, as Pam had mentioned above. Those who wear bifocals cannot see the pavement as well, I notice that with my parents who are toeing around looking to see how high or low a curb/step might be. Or my sig other stepping on the cat toys that are in his path.
Do you think she'd be amenable to some PT? From what I've seen, generally the therapists are so friendly, cordial and accommodating to older people that they end up enjoying the therapy in part for the social aspect. Sometimes I had to remind my father it was time to leave!
If she's not comfortable leaving the house, perhaps her internist, orthopedic or primary care doctor could script for home PT. It's not as extensive because she would have access to so much more equipment and varied exercises at a PT facility, but it might give her some self confidence.
I think sometimes the fear of falling outweighs anything else. Perhaps it's the fear that another fall would result in a fracture, surgery and rehab, and by avoiding walking someone can avoid falling.
It's too bad though that she won't use a walker. She may feel it doesn't give her enough protection, and I think generally that would be true. A rollator might be more appropriate. In fact my father walker much more easily once we got one than he did with his walker.
My father and I also worked out a padding system for his back-up regular walker. We used fairly thick foam that's normally used to insulate pipes, and taped it all around his walker. If he fell, the foam would cushion his fall and he wouldn't fall directly against the rungs of the walker.
Eventually, she had several falls, due to her not using her cane and she suffered some fractures. She still refused to use a cane or walker. It then became clear she wasn't understanding reality. Her judgment was impaired and she was diagnosed with dementia. After a spine fracture, she ended up in a wheelchair where she remains.
At least for a little while, I would ensure that she has constant supervision to make sure she doesn't walk unassisted or fall. She may not be fully appreciating the risks and consequences, no matter what she says.