Could be from any number of things. First that comes to mind is a drop in blood pressure. If this happens when she first stands from a sitting or lying position, make sure she stands a moment before she tries to walk. As we age, our blood pressure takes longer to regulate.
What you MUST do is prevent her falling. If that means she only walks with someone at her side, then that's what it means. Your mom is very fortunate she hasn't broken a hip. Life as we know it is often over after that.
There is definitely a reason and I would see the MD asap and ask for a referral to a Neurologist to check her out. I would also get her a medical alert pendant.
lots of reasons for falling but two come to mind. if she wears bifocal glasses she may be looking down throught the reading part and does not see clearly. Big problem going up and down stairs. The other one is getting up too quickly from a bed or chair. blodd pressure can dramatically drop and the patient simply passes out momentarily
Depression is a serious problem. Maybe she would benefit from being on a drug for that. I'm not sure that is related to the falls, though.
Have you seen her fall? What happens to the frame? Does it fall with her? Does she let go of it? Do her knees buckle? When my husband fell daily even with the walker I described in detail what the falls were like. His doctor slapped his forehead and said, "It sounds like he is having narcoleptic-like episodes! We'll try treating him for that." And, OMG, that solved the problem. I AM NOT saying that is what your Mom has, but that by careful observation you may be able to give her doctor some clues.
Does she wear glasses? Has her vision been checked recently? Are her glasses up-to-date?
Old people fall. It is what we do. (I remember falling on my 65th birthday and thinking, "OK, now it starts") But falling every day is not normal aging and does need to be investigated. Have you discussed this with her doctor?
Mom is 86 and lives in a residential home, she is falling almost every day even though she walks with a Zimmer frame she is not on any medication and she is depressed
What are Mom's impairments? Does she have diabetes, dementia, arthritis, copd -- what are her health issues?
What has her doctor said about the falls?
Does there seem to be a pattern to the falling? For example, when she goes from a carpeted room to a smooth floor, or when she steps on a throw rug, or when she is in a big hurry?
Does she live alone?
If you provide a few more details, perhaps our answers can be more specific.
7 Answers
Helpful Newest
First Oldest
First
What you MUST do is prevent her falling. If that means she only walks with someone at her side, then that's what it means. Your mom is very fortunate she hasn't broken a hip. Life as we know it is often over after that.
ADVERTISEMENT
Have you seen her fall? What happens to the frame? Does it fall with her? Does she let go of it? Do her knees buckle? When my husband fell daily even with the walker I described in detail what the falls were like. His doctor slapped his forehead and said, "It sounds like he is having narcoleptic-like episodes! We'll try treating him for that." And, OMG, that solved the problem. I AM NOT saying that is what your Mom has, but that by careful observation you may be able to give her doctor some clues.
Does she wear glasses? Has her vision been checked recently? Are her glasses up-to-date?
Old people fall. It is what we do. (I remember falling on my 65th birthday and thinking, "OK, now it starts") But falling every day is not normal aging and does need to be investigated. Have you discussed this with her doctor?
What are Mom's impairments? Does she have diabetes, dementia, arthritis, copd -- what are her health issues?
What has her doctor said about the falls?
Does there seem to be a pattern to the falling? For example, when she goes from a carpeted room to a smooth floor, or when she steps on a throw rug, or when she is in a big hurry?
Does she live alone?
If you provide a few more details, perhaps our answers can be more specific.
And welcome to AgingCare!