Fear of falling

How to reduce fear of falling and boost confidence

Those of us with elderly parents are probably all too well aware that the risk of falling increases significantly with age.

One fall increases the likelihood of further falls, and the damage and negative consequences are likely to be much worse than is the case with younger people.

Independent Living subscriber VELA is famous for their ergonomic chair, which can be used as an aid to mobility around the home, reducing the risk of falling and improving confidence.
 

Secondary consequences of a fall

A fall results in injury, or at least some shock and upset, but there are other consequences as well. Fear of falling again is common and brings even more negative results.

For example, VELA customer Kaj Henning (pictured here) began feeling insecure about engaging in certain activities that he perceived to have a higher risk of falling again. As a result, he refrained from performing some tasks at home, despite being capable of doing them prior to the fall.

This restriction in activity can lead to the deterioration of both physical and cognitive functions, ultimately resulting in a loss of independence and an increased need for care.
 

Fear of falling has more impact than an actual fall

Studies have shown that such deterioration is considered crucial in terms of experiencing reduced quality of life. In fact, a 2018 review conducted by Schoene et al. demonstrated that the fear of falling has significant implications for the quality of life among older adults, and interestingly, it has a greater impact than the falls themselves.

Initially, the fear of falling among older adults was thought to be limited to those who had already experienced falls, commonly referred to as “post-fall syndrome”.

However, it has been discovered that the fear of falling is not exclusive to older individuals with prior falling incidents but is also prevalent among older adults with no history of falls.
 

Psychological perspective on rehabilitation and prevention

Fear can have a profound impact on the social and active life of individuals and their loved ones, as is the case with Kaj Henning and his wife Lene. Therefore, it is important not only to focus on physical capabilities but also to incorporate the psychological perspective into the rehabilitation process and preventive mindset.

This is where VELA’s office chair with a brake and an electric lift can be a valuable aid. It offers a sense of security and stability, both physically and mentally, effectively reducing the fear of falling.

Research has demonstrated the positive impact of environmental modifications on fall prevention. These adaptations involve adjusting the home environment to create optimal conditions for engaging in daily activities. According to this research, the use of assistive devices is an effective way for individuals like Kaj Henning to enhance their ability to perform various activities at home.

One effective method of adapting your home environment is by incorporating a VELA chair. This fall prevention chair enables easy and secure movement between different rooms while remaining seated. Moreover, it is suitable for use in all areas of the house and requires minimal space.
 

Perform daily tasks while seated

The VELA chair offers additional benefits as well. It allows you to perform various daily tasks while remaining seated. For example, you can lower the chair to reach lower shelves in a cupboard or raise it to access clothes in a wardrobe. However, always ensure that the chair is properly braked before carrying out any activities to ensure your safety and security.

One notable feature of the chair is its electric lift, which provides a smooth and gradual change in seat height. This helps prevent dizziness or loss of balance that can occur with sudden movements. By instilling a sense of security, the electric lift contributes to a safer user experience.
 

“Walking” while seated

VELA chairs are equipped with four smooth-running wheels. This means you can lower the chair’s height and use your legs to “walk” or push the chair around while seated.

With a VELA fall prevention chair, you can comfortably engage in most of your daily activities while seated, reducing the fear of falling. The smooth-running wheels provide enhanced mobility, enabling you to take care of yourself and move around with ease.

If you need to transition from the chair to a sofa, simply walk the chair to the sofa, apply the brake, fold the armrest down, and slide onto the sofa. You can also rely on the armrest for support during the transfer.

 

Contact VELA directly for more information – phone them on 07384 594882 or send an email

You can read more of Kaj Henning’s story on the VELA website (external link will open in a new browser tab or window)

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Further Resources

You can see more on the VELA showcase page

Sometimes, a VELA chair may be a better choice than a wheelchair

There is an area of Independent Living dedicated to Fall prevention

 

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