Accidents and advancing age.

I had dizziness and some very near misses regarding falls. Turned o it to be two things, lack of iron for which I had an infusion and secondly a heart problem for which I had a new valve inserted. Please don’t try to treat her yourself but somehow get her to see a doctor.

Jaxjacky

How is your friend’s eyesight? Do they have regular checks at the optician, it could be cataracts, or another sight issue.

Eyesight is a factor, but so it ear problems. Balance can be affected by fluid in the ears, without any other apparent problems.
Weight is a factor too - if you continue to move at the same pace but you are heavier.

Burns and scalds could be highlighting a definute weakness in your friend's upper body. Even filling the kettle too full can cause a problem when pouring. Falls wouldn't be surprising therefore, having to turn quickly could catch them off balance and cause a fall. A good assessment of their living situation eg furniture in the way, carpets/rugs to trip on, items stored too high to reach easily. Perhaps an GP, local authority could arrange an O. T. to carry out an assessment to advise on safe living for your friend. You are very caring.

Yes standing for 30 seconds each day makes a huge difference to balance as we get older

Any signs of dementia. ?

dont they have falls clinics now? i think that sometimes they are like clubs run to help strengthen the core etc might be worth asking at a GP surgery or library

I have a few practical ideas about how you and your friend could minimize the risks.

Check the house for things one can trip over: lamp flexes along the floor, rugs with fringes you can catch your toes, or the toes of your shoes in, rugs the slither around, uneven floors, things left on floors because picking them up involves bending. And get rid of all these hazards.

Is the lighting good enough?

Is your friend's eyesight good enough? When did she last have her eyes tested? Changes in my sight caused quite a feww stupid accidents before I twigged and booked an eye-test.

How is her balance?

What are the soles of her indoor shoes or slippers like? Believe it or not, slippers often have slippy soles. I discarded a pair after sliding on the stairs! No harm done, but next time?

Scalds and burns: are these caused because lifting a pot of potatoes is harder than it used to be? If so, use a smaller, lighter pot, or alterately leave the pot on or near the stove, having turned off the heat and lift the contents out using a skimmer, or simply strain vegetables into a bowl by the cooker instead of walking half-way across the kitchen to the sink.

I have never heard a correlation between accidents and fraility, but there may well be one. I have always assumed it was sight, balance, or diminishing strength in our wrists that caused a lot of these accidents.

It's my understanding that you can apply for a (free) home safety assessment to be undertaken at your home, by an Occupational Therapist. This will identify the need for the installation of any safety features needed. These can then be installed - and this should be paid for by the local authority, up to £1000 . (No "means assessment" or anything.) My friend had this: she had various rails/handholds installed, both inside and outside her home - at no cost to her. (Friend has a good income - isn't on benefits.) Information is on the GOV.UK website under "Apply for equipment for your home if you're disabled". (You don't have to be "disabled" as such - simply "in need of help".)

My balance has been affected by Menieres but I do exercises every day and walk to look left/right to train my brain! I also take betahistine to help
Ask your friend to see a specialist Physio for balance advice

Why do you always say 'their'?

Loss of balance and falling may be due to a water infection.

I am a retired specialist in frailty (Geriatrician)
The link between falls/accidents and frailty is complex. On the one hand the muscle weakness and impaired balance which accompany frailty can cause falls and accidents and on the other hand, having a fall or accident even if you don’t already have frailty can result in loss of confidence and fear which themselves can lead to frailty.
In the case of your friend( and of course the big caveat here is that I haven’t seen or examined them) my 2 big worries would be the fairly rapid change that you describe and the fact that you mention they are somewhat in denial about unexplained injuries-this would raise a concern about cognitive decline.
All in all then I think you are right to push for them to see the GP with you there to explain your concerns and you should possibly ask for a referral to a local Geriatrician for a comprehensive assessment.

Blossoming

Falls bring an increased risk of fractures. If your friend is also experiencing dizziness or lightheadedness if could be caused by a mineral deficiency or something else easily diagnosed and treated. She should see her GP, you are right to be concerned.

This has just happened to my friend, after 3 falls 3 days running her daughter took to A&E, where the kept her in overnight for tests, they found dangerously low sodium levels. an inflamed Gallbladder and a large stone plus a heart problem which needs correcting with a stent. As you can see there can be so many varying factors and lots of them at the same time. She needs a total MOT, particularly if she is mid 70s my friend is mid 80s and have recently had cancer, so she is what they class as frail, although up to now she has been able to walk for miles. The frail score covers a lot of things, google it and you will see what it covers.

Mojack26

Why do you always say 'their'?

because it covers he and she without saying what sex they are by birth, these days it is how you recognise yourself, so you cannot say he or she for sure about another person, unless you know for sure.

creakingandchronic

dont they have falls clinics now? i think that sometimes they are like clubs run to help strengthen the core etc might be worth asking at a GP surgery or library

They have falls prevention course run by the NHS, referral through your GP or you can in some cases refer yourself. some LED groups (sports centre)

Getting rid of clutter and trip hazards is very important. A friend of mine fell in her hallway due to clutter and was lying on the floor for two and a half days before she was found! Her phone was in her car and she was about to go out when it happened. Fortunately her son contacted her next door neighbour when he couldn't get hold of her and she found her and called an ambulance. The hospital won't let her go home until her family cear a lot of the clutter.
This whole situation has made me aware of my vulnerability living alone. There are things I don't do any more, such as climbing on a chair to change a light bulb. Fortunately LED bulbs fail less often but the ones I have that fail I leave until I can have someone help me. I'm only 70 but am aware I'm not always as steady on my feet as I used to be. I'm still pretty active and go out and about most days, including being part of a local 'simply walk' group but I realise the risks and probably should do exercises to improve my balance.

The provision of home aids/alterations is means tested in my local authority and anything costing less than £1,000 is excluded from the list of items anyway.

After several bone fractures from falls, I was referred to a neurologist who diagnosed a particular tremor gradually eroding my sense of balance - just wear and tear that comes with age and I can do nothing about. I have therefore ensured I am never 'free-standing' but make sure I am always near a chair, wall, person etc - something I can grab when I feel myself going over. I never leave the house without my stick or walker - it gives me a sense of confidence as I veer over several times a day. Just a question of adapting my life really as I know the next fall could be the end.

Love it.... 'I am only 70'.......... That's how I think😁

A lot of good ideas here. However, the first port of call has to be the G.P. Yes old age does bring it's own disadvantages, but medical input is essential. No-one should accept that it is only 'old age'.

I'm another who would recommend balance excercises & gentle excercise (after a check up by the GO if course).
I think falls, even just one, affect confidence - & having fallen once it's only natural that you don't do such strenuous walks / stairs etc, & lack of exercise leads to weak muscles. Also having fallen once when one's at the age where bones are less strong & less resilient, can give a fear of falling which sometimes helps by making people more careful, but often excacerbates the problem as people get panicky & grab for things.So excercise & keeping confidence really helps.

Thanks all for the input. There has been another incident. I am wondering about cognitive decline. My friend has agreed to accept my help more, which I think is a positive.

Just to say low blood pressure causes dizziness and light headedness too. Re cognitive decline look up online re the initial symptoms of this which can be many and varied. Hope you can get your friend to see their GP asap. 💐

I think the op is taking care not to identify her friend

I think the OP needs to get her friend to see the nurse for a full health check. Blood pressure, bloods, weight, diet, blood sugar, hydration - now that is something people do not think of, low grade infection

Some years ago. I was staying in a hotel and when I went up stairs, I found a confused older woman sitting stark naked on the stairs. I hurriedly put my jacket round her and sent DH to reception. An ambulance was called and she was taken to hospital. It turned out that she was not suffering from dementia or any mental failing, but she had a UTI and was badly dehydrated. A short course of antibiotics and rehydrated, she was able to join her coach trip again, entirely in her right mind, and enjoy the rest of the holiday.

So this person's problem could be something that can be completely resolved by a change in her life style - drinking more, eating more. On the other hand, yes, it could be frailty - which means loss of muscle tone and strength. But there is only one way to find out - a good health check.

Would she ;et you accompany her to the doctor, so that you can make sure the doctor is toldeverything they need to know?