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Survival tips
Brain injuries can affect balance, stride, and judgment,
leaving brain injury survivors at risk of falling.
And falls are bad news. They threaten
health, with bumps, bruises, broken bones. They also make people
fearful of falling again, which can cause them to restrict their
walking. Ironically, this only increases their risk of a spill, since
their muscles become deconditioned and weak. Having restricted mobility can
also lead to social isolation and depression.
So how do you opt out of this vicious
circle of functional and psychological decline? Obviously, get
treatment for underlying problems--both physical therapy and medication,
if needed.
Then, if suitable, consider taking one of
the classes designed to help with balance. Or take up a physical
activity--yoga, tai chi, exercise ball, for instance--that helps develop
balance.
Finally, make prevention a priority. Check your house for hazards:
Lighting
Because we get most of our balance feedback
from our eyes, poor lighting affects balance.
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Are your halls and staircases well lit? Stairs present a special tripping hazard, so
double-check them. Install additional lighting where safety
hazards exist. |
| Sometimes
just increasing the strength of light bulb(s) used makes a
real difference |
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For places that are hard-to-reach, use
long-life bulbs that require infrequent changing. |
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Install night
lights that lead from the bedroom to the bathroom. |
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Consider using sensor-activated lights that
turn on automatically when someone enters the room. |
Tripping hazards
| Throw rugs can slip and slide, becoming
a major hazard. Only use throw rugs that are tightly woven and
secure them to the floor with non-slip adhesive tape. Or live without. |
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Never drape cords across rooms.
If necessary, add outlets to keep cords safely out of the way. |
| Remove
doorway thresholds that might trip or hinder movement.
 | Reduce clutter. In particular,
be sure paths through rooms are and remain obstruction-free. |
| To make movement
between rooms easier - especially if a cane or walker is
used - consider installing |
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Seating
| Use chairs that are high enough to
make rising easy. |
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Arm chairs are especially good, because they
allow the upper body to assist in rising. |
The bathroom
| Use non-slip mats on the
floor and in the bath or shower. Colored mats are easier for those with vision problems
to see. |
| Make
certain all appliances are safe, with no frayed cords, and located
where they can not fall into the tub or sink. |
| Since tubs may be difficult to step over,
consider a swinging door variety...or a shower. |
| Install grab bars wherever they might
be useful. You may be putting your full weight on these bars, so
don't take chances - have them professionally installed. |
Don't do this test if you know you have weak balance. Also, have
someone stand by to help if you start to fall. To
check your balance, simply stand up and close your eyes. The
more you sway, the less reliable your balance and the greater your risk of
falling.
Conflicts don't have to turn into
fights. Here are some tips on avoiding battles of the wills:
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Define
the conflict. Probe until you feel clear as to
what the true problem is. |
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Keep
the lid on. Problems tend to
escalate and morph into new disputes. Stay focused and keep the
conflict confined. |
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Devise
a Plan. Having the problem defined
and limited, you are ready to look for solutions. To be
workable, your plan must take into account the wishes and concerns of
all involved. |
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Be
reasonable. This doesn't mean giving in. It
just means seeking and recognizing solutions that are mutually
beneficial. Be willing to settle for less than everything
you want. |
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