My mom fell a few weeks ago. Thank goodness she’s in a rehab center to get her strength back so she can start walking, but she's afraid. Any advice?

I fell and hit my head in April and I'm still afraid of falling again. I just now am able to take my usual walk without slowing way down to a snail's pace. I have a "mild" concussion. I am 74, have no other issues with mobility. The body remembers. If no other injuries are found, I would think perhaps your mom just needs time, that her confidence will return eventually, but do keep reporting to her doctor and working with the physical therapist.

What does the Physical Therapist say is impeding her ability to walk?

My mom, in rehab after a fall with "no breaks" was found to have a broken hip about a week later. She was "resisting" PT and thank goodness, the PT realized something was amiss and ordered a new xray.

Make absolutely certain there is not an injury that is causing her pain that she can't localize or express.

Carriebx, wonder of rehab had tried to have your Mom use a walker?

Once I bought my Dad one of those rolling walkers which has 4 wheels, hand brakes, and a seat, his confidence improved greatly.

Please research Fear of Falling. It’s been a major obstacle with my DH regaining mobility. His obsessive fear has been difficult to come to grips with. Finally attended Counseling together. A breakthrough occurred with frank, objective observations of his hesitation to work to his potential because of nonstop exaggerated “what if”s taking over his mind and increasing his reluctance to try. (He wasn’t happy but it’s been immensely worthwhile) Please address the emotional toll sooner, rather that wait as this will derail PT benefits. Best of luck!

She doesn't need to be drugged by a psychiatrist just because she's afraid to fall and get hurt again. Any normal person would be afraid of a repeat performance, especially if they got hurt.

Let the physical therapists work with her some more, and if she doesn't make adequate progress, then consider going to a wheelchair. That's what we did with my mother when she had one very bad fall, hit her head, and ended up with 28 stitches. It was then clear that even with a walker, she wasn't stable enough to walk without someone holding on to her. We and her nursing home decided that rather than play Russian Roulette every time she stood up that we'd just put her in a wheelchair to move her from Point A to Point B. She could still stand up from the chair (with assistance) to get to the toilet and go to bed, but she had no more fear of falling, and that was huge for her peace of mind -- and mine, too.

Carrie, if she can walk with someone hanging on to her, that's a great start!

Rehab takes time. How long has she been there?

Is there a geriatric psychiatrist consult available?

I would say its the job of the PT to help her with her confidence. Maybe telling Mom that the more she works, the closer she is to going home.

Can you sit in on some of the physical therapy sessions to try to gain more information about how it's going and what the therapist is doing? I had physical therapy for back and hip pain (no falls), the therapist spent a LOT of time watching me walk and making corrections. Like every session. I wonder if she is putting in the effort in physical therapy. It really does take some work to make progress, and progress is what builds the confidence.

This is exceptionally common in elders, and it is reasonable. That is to say, the fear of further falls is reasonable given our lack of balance and mobility as well as muscle and tendon strength as we age. The physical therapists will be very aware of this syndrome and will be happy to discuss it with you. They will decide if a walker is appropriate, and what type, or if a cane is sufficient and will encourage Mom to take larger steps and build strength. Hopefully she will be fully motivated as that can present another roadblock. Sure do wish you both the best.

I am recovering from a bad fall that resulted in a broken hip. From my experience it’s going to take some time. I’m still afraid because you don’t want to go through it again. Helping her walk around and doing safe activities will help. Just give her time. Hope she heals quickly.