A fall can be a frightening experience for seniors and their concerned family members. Unlike a younger person, seniors often take longer to bounce back to their normal physical status following a fall or other injury event. Often, the elder may still fear falling again, possibly with even more dire consequences.
Seniors Often Lose Their Inner Confidence After a Fall Event
This reaction is very common among older fall victims, and there are some strategies that can help all seniors and that their caregivers should consider trying. Physical therapy can help seniors get back their confidence after a fall event or other serious injury. Even if the senior appears to be on the mend, physical therapy can still help them regain their strength and encourage them to get back to their usual physical activities that they enjoyed doing before the fall occurred.
Common after fall reactions by seniors include:
- Fear of falling again
- Concerns that their life is over
- Embarrassment
- Development of anxiety, sleep problems & other emotional distress
- May become angry or fear losing their independence
- Might withdraw from social events
- Caregivers Should Watch for Social Withdrawal & Fear Indicators
Many seniors who have experienced a fall will find it difficult to deal with the common emotional response that often follows these events. Seniors might feel a loss of control that can truly shake up their inner confidence and plans for the future.
How Physical Therapy Can Help Build Physical & Emotional Confidence & Strength
After a fall, a senior should be promptly assessed by a medical professional to ensure that any injuries are caught and treated. Physical therapy is often recommended both to build physical strength and stamina and to build back that necessary inner emotional confidence everyone needs following any traumatic event.
