Elderly Falls: Dangerous but preventable, by Sani Tijjani Ibrahim
The shocking stories of our loved ones’ sudden falls in the toilet or while trying to perform some activities are not new.
This is a story of Baba Modibo, a 77-year-old Imam, respected by everyone in the community.
Modibo is a very knowledgeable and spiritual man. He has been leading prayers for more than 40 years.
It was Tuesday, a few minutes to 1 pm. The day was stressful because we had been on a ward round since 8. I was in a hurry, returning to my room to pray and have something in my mouth, when a new consult came. The consult was from the neurosurgery department.
Tired me! “Sani, Sani,” a senior colleague who was head of the orthopaedic physiotherapy unit called. “Yes, sir,” I answered. “Attend to this consult, please.” “Okay, sir,” murmuring in my mind, why me?
I accepted the consult and went directly to the mosque, prayed, and put on my white coat to go back to the ward. Arriving at the nurse’s station, we exchanged greetings. After introducing myself, I said, “I am here for the patient in Bed 7.” The nurse directed me to the bed. Huh! I sighed. There were more than 12 visitors all around the bed. They all looked shocked.
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A few minutes after reviewing the patient’s record, I went ahead to introduce myself. “I am your physiotherapist, and I am here to maximize the functional status of Baba.”
As usual, I started with history taking. From history, I realized how Baba fell down while entering the mosque for Subhi prayers.
He fell down and hit his head on the ground. There was blood all over his forehead. Fortunately, he did not lose consciousness, but unfortunately, Baba could not move his arms almost immediately, all including upper and lower limbs.
He was rushed to the hospital and admitted through the Accident and Emergency Department. Baba was stabilised, and subsequently, investigations revealed that Baba had a spinal cord injury. The injury had affected his cervical spine, a region between the neck and the body. This was what led to the total paralysis of the body.
Aminatu, one of the patient’s daughters, reported that Baba had been inactive for long.
The only time he had was that of teaching Islamic knowledge, which occupied his time from morning to evening. He had been showing signs of a lack of balance, but nobody paid attention, thinking it was because of age.
Yes, it was due to ageing, but who cares to seek medical advice on how to avoid falls? Even if it is because of the fragility of his bones?
Baba finally had a surgery, cervical laminectomy, to be specific. He is currently transferred from the ICU to the male surgical ward for further care.
Individuals of old age need to be active. Being active does not necessarily mean running and jogging. Daily brisk walking is enough, 30 minutes for five days. It is also equally important to include exercises that improve balance.
Prevention is better than cure; falls in the elderly population are avoidable. Seek the help of experts.
Sani Tijjani Ibrahim
Physiotherapist serving with Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe
Sanitijjani2@gmail.com
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Thank you very much for sharing this touching and educating story. It really remind us how our elderly ones are so fragile and need our full care and attention.
May Allah (SWT) grant Baba Modibo quick recovery and return his health back in a better condition. May He ease his pain, strengthen him, and reward his patience with goodness. We also pray Allah protect all our parents and give them long life with good health.