After having a fall, you can feel more than just physically affected. You might find your confidence has been knocked and simple everyday actions like walking around your house or going outside are now quite daunting. This is understandable, however, avoiding movement altogether can make it harder to build up your strength and confidence again. Here are some manageable, simple ways to help you regain some independence you may have lost.
Recovery can take time, so give yourself time to heal. Your body needs sufficient time to heal, and it might take a while to feel 100% confident again. If you have had a fall, speak to your GP, even if you do not think you were seriously injured. If you’re still feeling consistently unsteady, it’s also best to contact your doctor or a healthcare professional as well. Follow any advice they give you.
Be patient with yourself, and remember that even if you’re hesitant, it doesn’t mean you’ve lost your independence. How you’re feeling is natural in response to having a scary experience. As you recover, try to focus on what you can comfortably manage instead of comparing yourself to how active you were previously.
When you feel ready to be more active, start with small movements that you feel are manageable. This might include walking short distances around your home, or even just getting up and down from your chair. You might’ve been advised to do specific exercises following your fall, so make sure you complete these too.
Regular movement can help you become familiar with moving your body again and reduce some of the fear surrounding everyday activities. If you’re finding even familiar tasks overwhelming, try and break these down into smaller steps. This might look like choosing an activity and taking small rests in between, or whenever you need them.
Take a look around your home and assess if anything could make moving around more difficult. Potential hazards might include loose rugs, clutter in your path, wires/cables, or badly positioned furniture.
Another factor that can make it easier to see where you’re walking is good lighting. Make sure it’s bright enough to highlight any obstacles. It can also be helpful to keep frequently used items somewhere they are easy to reach, so you don’t have to go out of your way.
Extra support in certain areas can help you feel more confident and reduce the risk of a future fall. Home aids like grab rails, elevated bed and chair raisers and more can all make your day-to-day smoother. Mobility furniture like rise and recliner chairs are also a great addition to give you that needed comfort when getting up and down.
Venturing back outside after a fall can feel like a big step, but you don’t have to push yourself to return to longer walks or busy places straight away. It’s good to start with a journey that feels more achievable and less intimidating. Try walking to the end of your garden to start with or visiting a local shop if you feel up for it.
Over time as your confidence grows, you might gradually increase the distance or try different areas. For a lot of people, mobility aids can make this process feel more manageable. Equipment like a suitable walking stick or rollator may help you if you are still able to walk but require some extra support.
If you’re confident walking short distances, but still require support with longer journeys, a mobility scooter might help. If you’re considering getting a mobility scooter, think about what you would use it for and your general lifestyle before choosing a model. These factors will make a significant difference to the best suited vehicle for you.
As well as speaking to healthcare professionals, it can also help to talk to your family members or friends about how you’re feeling. They might even be able to accompany you on your first few journeys or help you make the necessary changes around the house. Sometimes, even some reassurance and encouragement can make all the difference.
If you need practical help with getting around or everyday tasks, East Coast Mobility can help you explore suitable equipment. Visit our Lowestoft showroom or Great Yarmouth marketplace unit to talk through your needs and explore suitable options. You can also contact our team for advice.
