Glenda, it hurt just reading what happened. So sorry you fell and injured yourself and I hope you are better soon. Just glad you had a good neighbor who came and assisted you last night.

Would your hip arthritis be better with a hip replacement? DH was in pain until he had his replaced a couple of years ago. He said it was the best thing he ever did for his well-being. Then he had his shoulder replaced.

Thoughts are with you, Glenda. I hope you feel much better and are able to get some rest.

The first 2 on this site are good options. My sister had the second one.

https://www.homedepot.com/b/Bath-Bath-Accessories-Bath-Safety-Shower-Chairs/Aluminum/N-5yc1vZcfw7Z1z0usgq

When DH had 1st knee replacement, we were in the old house with a shower over the tub. I got him the same transfer bench Raven’s sister has. It worked fine. The OT where he rehabbed told me how to cut the shower curtain liner to work best with the bench.

If your neighbor heard you it probably means you live in an apartment which means that it is unlikely that your landlord will allow the change out to a shower. You mentioned the shower stool but if it is a normal one switch to one of the open ended ones that used to be called slide out ones. No way with the pebbly surface could anyone slide out. It is easier to stand up from there rather than swinging legs and trying to keep you balance. Couple of other things. If you have a cell phone take it to the bathroom when you are bathing. You could leave it on the sink or floor. Your call device could be done the same way or if you have storage areas under the sink hopefully it has knobs. Hang it on one of the knobs where it could be reached if you are on the floor.

Program your cell phone with the nonemergency number. It already has the emergency number. When my husband started needing help getting up from chair, floor, and out of the bathtub the EMTs suggested that we use that number if we were in a safe place and not injured. I was also told that I could request no sirens when I called. For their safety they did have to have the lights on after they arrived. You can also depending on your emergency department register that your next door neighbor has a key. If you are unable to open the door they may attempt to break in causing the smallest amount of damage but if you are injured and cannot get to the door they will use all force necessary.

I still have the slide in stool in the tub although I take showers because it is very handy to wash my feet and remove any loose dead skin.

I have medical alert with the door security for emergency. Neighbor plus certain others have the code to get in when necessary. Problem last night I did NOT have the bracelet on, my fault. to get emergency help by pressing the button.

My tub chair is fine, but loosing the ability to pull up was the problem and once up, the problem is getting the bad leg over the side. Last night I could not get up from the chair, and tried another method of getting out, causing my fall.

May look into assisted living as there are some really nice ones in my area but are expensive.

Do have someone in the complex that helps me out but she's not available always.

I live in a condo and it is completely paid for.

Well...can the arthritic hip be replaced? I had so many steroids to keep me breathing (asthma) that my bones are trash. I have two hip replacements. Easiest thing ever. (Unlike knees, at least for many.) Seems to me, wherever you decide to reside, you'll be happier being mobile. Medicare pays for so much...even rehab in a facility. What are our taxes good for if not helping our Glenda?

I've had a couple of friends in their early 80's who have had hip replacements. They both wonder why they waited so long. One of them has had both replaced. She's more mobile now than she was prior. She's been back to her gym routine (not now, of course, because of Covid), she walks, swims, and golfs. They both have said it was the best thing they've had done. And, one has also had a knee replacement. She said the hip replacement recovery was much easier.

I wouldn't rush into anything.

Glenda, so glad you called the doctor. Now, schedule a hip replacement ASAP. By the time we get back to normal life, you will be good to go.

My husband took water aerobics at the Y and most of the participants were 20 years or older than he was. I watched many of them have hip and knee replacements. Almost all were glad that they had had the operation. The one that did not thought they would be able to return to what they were doing in their thirties. The ones that did the best did leg strengthening exercises at home before the operation even though it hurt to do so. You do need to talk to your doctor, soon about your fall.

My uncle had a hip replacement when he was well into his 80's--quick recovery and he was so much better after. Something to talk to your doctor about.

Thank you KT friends for all your thoughts and special advice. KT is a might special place.

I DO miss water aerobics. It was so much a part of my life for almost 25 years and so many great friends still from the group.

Glenda, all the post to you speak volumes about how loved you are at the TABLE, you are a great contributor to this site. I thank you for sharing your wonderful recipes and advice. Continue to improve your health. Know we care.

Glad to see you back online. Hope you heal quickly.

I've just seen this. I am so glad your neighbor was able to hear and help you. You are in my prayers.

Moving around a little, and just realized how sore I am.

Tomorrow gal who helps me is coming for the day, thank goodness.

Thank you for update.

Agree with morz8, suggest asking doc for physical/occupational therapy (PT/OT) referral; they can teach and practice with you several useful techniques for getting up from a fall.

Concerned about why you are not getting into bed to sleep; if you were that severely injured, an ambulance/911 trip to the emergency department may be indicated. (Disclaimer: taking care of people who have fallen and come to the ED via ambulance is what I do for a living. Despite having plenty of ED patients now, we are very concerned about those who should be coming in, but are not.)

Glenda - I don't climb stairs well for several reasons and our bedrooms are on the second floor. After several major surgeries I began sleeping in a very comfortable recliner that has an electric control to raise and lower the footrest and seatback. It will also lift the chair at an angle so I can stand up easily. The handset has a battery backup so if power goes out the chair still functions. It hurts to sleep on my left hip (bursitis) and it hurts to sleep on my right shoulder (rotator cuff surgery). So the chair cradles me and I sleep on my back more comfortably than if I was on my bed. That might be something that could help you.

seagrass

Glenda, just got on the KT and read about your fall. I feel so bad for you, but glad you seem to be improving.

About assisted living places, yes, they can/are expensive, but can help to protect you. My Mom went into one and she loved it! She met some ladies and they always had breakfast together and they called themselves the "breakfast club". Lots of activities like cards, bingo, a library, exercise classes, religious services. They even had a PT room so you could have PT in the building!

There was a pull string in the bathroom and one at the bed so you could call for help if needed. They also had the "button" you could wear around your neck if you felt you needed it.

If you didn't show up for lunch or dinner they would call you on the intercom that was in each apartment to see what was up. Mom would yell out, "I'm running a bit late, see you in a few!"

When she had a fall in the night in the bathroom she was able to reach the string and call for help. I live 200 miles away and they called me and kept me apprised of the situation, how she was feeling, what they thought happened, and what the EMT's said they were going to do. It was a broken something in her pelvic area and just had to heal on it's own.

But they were so professional and made sure I did not pick up in the middle of the night and go racing downstate in the night, which I probably would have done.

So, give it some thought. I know you said that there was no room to use a walker in your place, but maybe by eliminating some furniture you could. Changing to a walk in shower would be great too, with lots of grab bars. We did ours last year and are so happy we did. For many years my DH said that no we need a tub for resale....only took 20 years to convince him I didn't care about resale!!!

Please keep us posted on what is going on. Hugs, Kathy G in MI (sorry so long)

Not sure if that’s what she means, but a senior lift chair would help. Concerned about the bed situation and that you aren’t eating meals. Visiting angels or the like are an option as well. At least for now it might be a good idea. They can help you with all sorts of things-bathing, laundry, cleaning, shopping, dr visits. Hope things are better tomorrow.

Just an idea: Most sizable cities have free senior programs and many seniors spend their day there. The ones I am familiar with have free breakfast and lunch, exercise programs you can participate in if you wish and staff to help out. They offer free transportation to and from the program.

Would Medicare pay for permanent part time help every day to help with bathing?

Oh man Glenda, I just saw all that has been going on. I really hope you are feeling better. I hope you can get things worked out in a way that's best for you. Whether its modifying your condo, moving to assisted living, hip replacement, whatever! I just pray you get the help and relief you need.

"Would Medicare pay for permanent part time help every day to help with bathing?"

No. Not at all.

No, Medicare doesn't pay for things like that. We did pay a home care service for someone to come for 2 hours a couple times a week to assist my mother with bathing

Some states do have programs to assist people in staying in their homes. CMS is the place to check but most of the services unless they are medically necessary end up costing more than assisted living or a skilled nursing center. You may also need to have a doctor's order to have a private agency's help.

Word of advice/warning as you age your skin becomes drier. Doctors do not advise daily baths or showers any longer. At most if you must a sponge bath of the important parts daily is all that is recommended any more. Every other day to once a week is now the advice that is normally used for seniors.

I’m glad you’re ok Glenda! You should have a checkup. I guess you’ll have to figure out how to make things safer. So you can keep on keeping on!!!

Hip replacements do seem to be less problematic than knees. Maybe? Worth asking about if you’d consider it.

Just saw this thread a few minutes ago, Glenda. My gosh! How very scary falls can be. I have had two - one was outside and, thankfully, there were two guys across the street who saw me fall and came over and helped me up - the other was in the house and it took me quite some time to make attempts to get up and working out in my mind what I could do to make me successful at getting up, which finally succeeded. I no longer take baths either; the last one I took, it was difficult for me to get out of the tub, so decided to always take a shower in the low-threshold shower stall. So, so glad the master bath has both. I do also have a shower chair in the shower stall which is great for those time my legs are feeling weakened. Since you own your condo, I agree with others that maybe you could at least get some estimates for how much it would cost to convert to a walk-in shower stall. Also will nix the walk-in tub; I know a few people who have gone to the expense of having them installed and they very much regret spending the money and hate the things.

I sure hope you recover soon. One thing that you can put on your soreness that works wonderfully well is BioFreeze. You can get the gel in a tube, as well as a roll-on with a roller ball. I keep both for aches and pains.

Wishing you a good phone visit with your doctor and a speedy recovery. Also will keep you in my prayers.

As always, start with you local county's office of senior services, usually within the county Health Department. They can help assess situations and do a benefit analysis (all free) to see that you get whatever services are available to you, and direct you to the proper resources.

Interesting @bbstx. I have thought about doing that, but was afraid once down on the floor, I could not get up.

I see that a walk-in tub was recommended to you. My plumber friend does not recommend these. He says he has had too many problems with door seals and flex hinges. These problems are common to several brands. Its a grand idea, but there are physical problems with many designs. The other problem is opening the door before the tub is fully drained. If the water level is above the lower lip of the doorway, there will be a big spill. Of course, this is an avoidable human error, but does happen especially with impaired users.

Another problem with the walk-in tubs is that you can get very cold by the time the water drains and you can get out to dry off. Better to convert a tub to a large shower.

The "practice getting up from the floor" advice is very good.

Many of you are recommending public programs for seniors. That may be a worthwhile pursuit in any event but if by her own description she has no mortgage on her condo, one would expect she has money to pay for whatever care she needs that's not covered by insurance.

bbstx,

I think we read the same article(s): they stated if you could not get up from the floor without using your arms and hands, you are predicted to have a shorter lifespan: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2247402/Can-floor-using-hands-If-heading-early-grave.html

The article scared me so much I started practicing getting up without using my arms every night (when I finish my back exercises, bridges and clams). It's hard at first, because you have to lift your whole body weight using one leg.....but it is empowering.

Glenda, I wish you the best and hope you feel better soon! If you do have treatment for your hip, you'll probably get physical therapy as a follow-up. It's a pain, but totally worth it!

Someone here posted a video not too long ago about how to get up if
you've fallen. It showed several techniques and ideas for different
situation. Some were brilliant!

I just searched youtube and I think it was this one:

one would expect she has money to pay for whatever care she needs that's not covered by insurance.

We are not, not should we be, party to her exact finances and how she might choose to use them. Our information we might have, and questions for others, are gifts to her, so that she can make a better informed choice. Friendship and help come in all sorts of packages, from our prayers and well wishes to ideas. I am sure that she takes all of our offerings in the spirit of friendship in which they are offered.

glenda's own words above were "I live in a condo and it is completely paid for"

I always look forward to your comments, please keep them coming. You can be sure I mind my own business when it comes to finances. Try it!

So sorry to see this! That's a very scary event ☹️

I sincerely hope you're feeling better and continue to improve.

"I mind my own business when it comes to finances", Elmer, why you would opine what money she has to spend "one would expect she has money to pay for whatever care she needs that's not covered by insurance", while the rest of us are offering info and ideas, I have no idea. I am currently offering my prayers and help to her in her new thread, however.

@WalnutCreek Zone 7b/8a, perhaps the first few times, try to get up with someone there to help you, just in case you need it. But soon, you will probably be able to do it all by yourself. I think the trick is doing it everyday.

Olychick, when I saw the video in your comment, I thought it was one that I had seen before where the woman does some sort of corkscrew kind of move to get up. It is supposed to be “easy.” HA! I tried it and my back hurt for a week! I like all of the tricks the woman in your video showed.

Our issue started when DH fell in the driveway. The only way for him to get up was for me to get on my hands and knees like an ottoman so that he could boost himself up. If I had not been home, he would have been stuck.

There used to be a phrase, "Invisible Poor" that was used especially for women and older people of all sexes. While on the surface a person may look like they have enough money they do not. One of the biggest reasons that older people allow their PAID FOR homes to deteriorate is because they no longer have the money to pay for the upkeep. Glenda and others may be fine but do not base their financial worth on having a paid for home.

Here we have a Council on Aging which is a great resource for many areas of need as one ages. They were very helpful for my neighbor who lived across the street when she needed help and didn't know who to turn to.

"Elmer, why you would opine what money she has to spend"

Why would you assume her means are limited and she needs free programs when she said otherwise in this very thread? I opined nothing, I repeated the essence of her comment.

I also offered my best wishes to her here and in the other thread.

Elmer, as for "public programs", the Older Americans Act in 1965 established a number of programs that are not needs-tested, with Federal funding. The local office of senior services (called by different names in different communities) is a great source of information about programs. They can help the senior determine if they are eligible for some programs, and make suggestions if the person is not eligible. In PA, lottery funds go towards senior programs, while in CA, funds, and therefore programs, are far more limited.

Suggesting contacting the local county department is not inferring that the person needed public assistance, but that there are resources available to all, even to you.

Very good explanation, sushipup. They have a wealth of information.

I'm not going to guess about anything. I do have some recent experience (with an oldster in the family who has limited means) that I won't assume is typical but we found that state-sponsored programs are bare-minimum and the elder residential options were not acceptable. Using the standard - "Would YOU want to be here?" So the family is paying her expenses to be in a nice place where she's happy and well looked after. Those of us covering the costs will be repaid when her house is sold after her death.

Back to the important topic, I do hope Glenda is being properly cared for and that her needs are met. She'd hinted that maybe the time has come to live someplace more suitable and we all hope that whatever arrangements she needs to be comfortable and safe can be made. Hopefully her family can get involved and provide the help she needs, outside of immediate medical attention, of course.

That Older Americans Act is one of the things that have provided Community Activities programs. One of the parts of that is providing a meal and/or snacks for the people who attend. In this area it is the place to go to play cards and see people. They are mostly shut down because of the virus but they have encouraged the use of computers for people to actually see someone rather than just their phone.

Elmer you need to look beyond what you know to what others encounter. Not everyone who appears to have money does, the same as some who look really poor can have millions of dollars. Think of what people are posting as a learning experience rather than slamming you. There is another world out there beyond what you know and your comments could and would stop people from posting things that could be of help to either them or others in their extended family. Stop shaming others because your experiences are different than theirs.

Glenda - I know from the other thread that you’ve been taken back in; I hope your visit is brief and that you’ll be back in the comfort of your home soon.

Others have recommended installing grab bars. I’d agree with that, and along with that will cautiously recommend the suction cup type that can be placed all around your tub surround. I say “cautiously” because they get mixed reviews, which I suspect is mainly due to size and materials of what you’re attaching to. In the case of my parents, I put some on their smooth 6x9 tile and was so impressed that I never affixed anything permanently. They do need to be inspected periodically to be sure they’re secure.

With regards to Medicare paying for assistance, I really don’t know much except that my father gets two hours a day covered under a referral for palliative care. Now he is in a far more advanced state of disability, but in doing some reading I’m not sure that someone might not be eligible at an earlier stage. I’d recommend contacting Visiting Nurse Service for guidance. Our experience with our local facility has been largely phenomenal.

Best to you, Glenda, hope we hear from you soon.