Dear Jean,

I recently fell for the third time in a year. My doctor is addressing my balance issues, but I am asking about my fear. I am so afraid of falling again and maybe really hurting myself. How can I overcome the fear?

Answer,

You are already taking the most important step in addressing falls, seeing your doctor. Perfect.

The fear of falling creates a vicious cycle. We fall, we fear falling again, so we do less activities, which slows down our reactions and decreases our muscle use, ultimately making us more likely to fall again.

If your doctor told you to use a walker or cane for balance, make it a habit to always do it. Don’t let pride keep you from being safe.

Thirty percent of falls happen in our own living room. Eliminate all tripping hazards, including those darn throw rugs. Don’t use the floor to stack papers, books and things you want to keep close to you. As you are looking around your house, make sure you have nice, clear walkways. There should never be anything on the stairs. Grab bars should be placed at every spot that you step up or down. Then use them. Stay off stools and ladders. Never stand on a chair.

Move. Join a chair-yoga class, even if it is on TV. When you have someone at your house visiting, it is a great time to get up and move around, secure in the thought that should you fall, help is right there.

Get a “push-button-for-help” device. Again, if you were to fall, you will be able to get help quickly. Just having it gives you peace of mind.

There is a community group of caring professionals who know exactly what you are experiencing and how important it is to get your balance. They call themselves “Finding Balance Together”. This group is made up of health care providers, advocacy groups, and pharmacies.

They believe that falls are preventable, and they want to keep you from falling again.

They put on a FREE event once a year called Finding Balance Together: From Awareness to Action. It is coming up on Thursday, August 22 at Bridgewood Conference Center, 1000 Cameron Way in Neenah. It runs from 9 am until noon.

The host will be WHBY’s Good Neighbor, Kathy Keene. She may be retired, but she is still active.

It will be a morning filled with ideas and inspiration to keep you on the move.

Take advantage of the presentations and screenings:

•  Falls – Just how big is the problem?
•     Tai Chi – Benefits and interactive demonstration
•  Medication management strategies
•  Balance and hearing screening
•  Footwear – What’s the big deal
•  Physical Therapist tips and interactive demonstration
•  Much more!

The event is free. They would appreciate it if you register so they know you are coming. You can reserve your space by going to: https://www.findingbalancetogether.org/events-list

I am excited to be part of this event. I’ll be there with a roomful of tripping hazards and will be sharing ideas to make your home safer. Stop by and say hi.

Jean Long Manteufel writes a column each month about life changes associated with aging. Send your
questions to Jean@TransitionsWithJean.com or call 920-734-3260.