If your grandmother with dementia has just fallen, the first and most important step is to **stay calm and assess her condition carefully**. Check if she is conscious, breathing normally, and if she is in severe pain or unable to move. If she is unconscious, bleeding heavily, has a suspected broken bone, or shows signs of a head injury (such as confusion, vomiting, or loss of consciousness), call emergency services immediately. Do not try to move her unless she is in immediate danger, as this could worsen any injuries.
If she is awake and seems relatively okay, help her stay still for a moment and gently check for any obvious injuries like cuts, bruises, or swelling. Ask her if she feels pain anywhere and observe her for signs of dizziness, confusion, or weakness. Even if she appears fine, it’s important to get her evaluated by a healthcare professional as soon as possible because falls in people with dementia can lead to complications that are not immediately obvious.
Once immediate medical needs are addressed, focus on **preventing future falls**. People with dementia are at higher risk of falling due to slowed brain processing, impaired judgment, and physical frailty. Their risk is compounded by factors like medication side effects, poor vision, muscle weakness, and environmental hazards such as loose rugs or cluttered walkways.
Here are key steps to take after the fall and to reduce future risks:
– **Medical Evaluation:** Schedule a thorough check-up with her doctor to assess any injuries and review her medications. Some drugs can cause dizziness or balance problems, so adjustments might be necessary.
– **Physical Therapy:** A physical therapist can evaluate her strength, balance, and gait, and recommend exercises or assistive devices like canes or walkers that suit her abilities.
– **Home Safety Modifications:** Remove trip hazards such as loose rugs, electrical cords, and clutter. Install grab bars in the bathroom, secure handrails on stairs, and ensure good lighting throughout the home, especially in hallways and bedrooms. Motion-sensor nightlights can help prevent falls at night.
– **Assistive Devices:** Depending on her mobility, she may benefit from a walker or cane. Occupational therapists can help select devices that she can use safely and comfortably.
– **Medical Alert Systems:** Consider a medical alert device with fall detection and emergency call features. These devices can automatically notify caregivers or emergency responders if she falls and cannot reach a phone, providing peace of mind for both you and her.
– **Monitor Nutrition and Hydration:** Malnutrition and dehydration can contribute to weakness and dizziness, increasing fall risk. Ensure she has a balanced diet and drinks enough fluids.
– **Address Fear and Isolation:** Fear of falling can cause her to limit activity, which leads to muscle weakness and social isolation, worsening cognitive decline. Encourage safe physical activity and social engagement to maintain her strength and mental health.
– **Supervision and Support:** Depending on her level of dementia and mobility, she may need more supervision or assistance with daily activities to prevent falls. If she lives alone, consider arranging for regular check-ins or in-home care.
If she falls again or shows new symptoms like increased confusion, difficulty walking, or pain, seek medical attention promptly. Falls in dementia patients can sometimes signal worsening health or new medical issues.
Taking these steps can help manage the immediate situation and reduce the risk of future falls, improving your grandmother’s safety and quality of life.