After his fall my father was taken by ambulance to the Accident and Emergency Department at the local hospital in Romford. My wife and I managed to get there just as he was returning from having his arm and back X-rayed. He was obviously rather distressed by what had happened, and most of what he said was incoherent or did not make a lot of sense. We sat with him until the doctors had assessed his injuries and the results of the X-rays and urine test he had undergone.
It appears that the fall had not resulted in my father suffering any serious injuries but that he did have a urinary infection that might have caused him to lose his balance. He was prescribed a course of antibiotics to cure the infection and it has been suggested that he should be assessed by an Occupation Therapist as the doctors were concerned about him having mobility problems. We discussed this with the doctors, who then arranged for my father to be discharged back to his care home.
Whilst we waited for the ambulance that was to take my father back, I contacted the manager of the care home to inform her about what was happening. She arranged for the night staff to prepare my father's room for his return, and I then took my father's medication and a copy of his hospital notes to the care home. By then it was getting quite late, and it was after 11.30pm before we got home.
Today (Friday) ended up being a very long and busy day ... and I hope that tomorrow will be a little less fraught.
It appears that the fall had not resulted in my father suffering any serious injuries but that he did have a urinary infection that might have caused him to lose his balance. He was prescribed a course of antibiotics to cure the infection and it has been suggested that he should be assessed by an Occupation Therapist as the doctors were concerned about him having mobility problems. We discussed this with the doctors, who then arranged for my father to be discharged back to his care home.
Whilst we waited for the ambulance that was to take my father back, I contacted the manager of the care home to inform her about what was happening. She arranged for the night staff to prepare my father's room for his return, and I then took my father's medication and a copy of his hospital notes to the care home. By then it was getting quite late, and it was after 11.30pm before we got home.
Today (Friday) ended up being a very long and busy day ... and I hope that tomorrow will be a little less fraught.
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An worrisome event to be sure. TG it wasn't worse .
ReplyDeleteGlad he wasn't badly hurt.
ReplyDeleteGlad it wasn't too serious. IMHO you did the right thing and it's unfortunately natural that you're concerned. You'd be surprised at the number of people who simply wouldn't bother.
ReplyDeleteRoss Mac,
ReplyDeleteOver recent months my father has become quite unsteady on his feet, especially when standing up quickly. His GP thought it was his blood pressure ... but the hospital now think that there may be another cause, hence the suggestion of an assessment by an Occupational Therapist. Their concern was that the next fall might not result in just some bruising, and that a serious breakage – such as his hip – might result.
He is now back in his care home, resting … but I will need to follow this up with the care home manager (who is excellent) so that the GP does what the hospital suggests.
All the best,
Bob
Francis Lee,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your kind thoughts.
Luckily the fall wasn't bad ... this time. With a bit of luck the Occupational Therapist will come up with some ideas as to how we can stop this happening again in the future.
All the best,
Bob
Crazy Joe,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind words of support.
Luckily my father is in a care home where they do actually care. They thought that the injury might not be serious ... but did not hesitate to call an ambulance (and me) 'just in case'.
Luckily I was able to get to the hospital to do my bit ... but had I not, my brother (who lives slightly farther away) would have stepped in. We are not a family that lives in each others pockets … but when one of us is in need of help, we rally round and do our bit as quickly as we can.
All the best,
Bob
Oh damn. Are you saying that once they're in care all of your worries are NOT over?
ReplyDeleteMy father was finally driven into care due to stability issues. Despite lots of hospital time and loads of tests they never did work out exactly why. Now he is chair/wheel chair bound. Very frustrating for a man who was an athlete and sportsman generally.
It's good that you have a borther to share the load. I agree it really helps.
Al the best,
Trebian
Trebian,
ReplyDeleteThe saying goes that 'when you were a child, your parents looked after you; when they were old, you looked after them .'
I suspect that they will recommend that my father starts to use a Zimmer frame all the time whilst trying to stand or walk, although he may eventually have to use a wheelchair. He was very active, up until two years ago, and was a boxer and footballer in his youth. That basic fitness has helped him cope with his growing frailty ... until now.
My brother and I (and our wives) do share the load. My sister lives too far away - and has too many medical problems of her own - to be able to help.
All the best,
Bob
Hi Bob:
ReplyDeleteGlad your father wasn't badly hurt and that you could be there for him. I will remember you and your family in prayer at church tomorrow.
Michael Peterson,
ReplyDeleteMany thanks for your support and prayers. The thought is much appreciated.
All the best,
Bob
Bob,
ReplyDeleteMy father , likewise, was very active (he was an athlete and a cricketer), but after his second hip replacement his balance problems overwhelmed him and he had to go into care. We went through the whole walking frame business and ended up getting him a wheel chair. We ordered one on line from a company called Mobility Buddy who were very quick and fairly inexpensive. Just ordered another one for my mother, to help her when the walking is too much.
Trebian.
Trebian,
ReplyDeleteThe GP should be seeing my father today or tomorrow, after which I will pursue the possibility of a referral to the Occupational Therapist.
I suspect that he will end up needing to use a wheelchair ... but will resist it as long as possible. He has a stubborn streak, and will not do what he does not want to do.
Thanks for the recommendation; it will be useful if and when the time comes.
All the best,
Bob