How to Overcome Depression in Senior Loved Ones That May Arise Due to the Fear of Falling

Our senior loved ones may suffer from depression due to many reasons such as the death of loved ones, children settling abroad for better job prospects, social isolation, and chronic diseases. But, one vital cause of depression is often overlooked, and that is the fear of falling.

Fear of Falling occurs when our senior loved ones have experienced a fall previously and have hurt themselves. Our beloved seniors after a fall tend to limit their physical movements to reduce the risk of falling again. They even hesitate to walk thinking that they will fall again and may need hospitalization. This fear has a debilitating effect on the mind of our senior loved ones. They feel scared to leave their house, socialize or stay active which is required to lead a healthy and hearty life. But due to this fear of falling, they feel reluctant to move their body and this may give rise to cardiovascular diseases or other health complications. Self-isolation and following a sedentary lifestyle can aggravate depression in seniors further.

So, what steps can we take to help our senior loved ones lead a healthy and happy life by overcoming the depression caused due to the fear of falling? 

♦   Speak with your senior loved ones if you feel they are limiting themselves from leading a normal and healthy life due to the fear of falling. Encourage them to go out and spend some time being close to Nature, accompany them on the walks if you get time or you can always hire a dedicated caregiver from an elder care service in Kolkata. The caregiver will assist your beloved seniors with their daily chores and can also accompany them to walks, grocery, or doctor’s visits.

♦   Improve safety inside your home. Ensure there is no spillage on the floor. Try to keep the floors always dry, especially the washrooms. Keep the lights of the passages and hallways on during the night to prevent your elders from falling.

♦   Spend time with your senior loved ones. Go out for dinners or shopping with your senior loved ones. This will help them feel relaxed and worry-free.

♦   Talk with your loved one’s doctor who can advise you on reducing their risk of falls and uplifting their mood.

These are some important steps that you can follow to help your senior loved ones overcome the depression that may arise due to their fear of falling and lead a healthy and hearty life.