When a Fall Changes Everything

“Before the accident, I was as strong as a horse. I didn’t need help and could get around easily,” the 66-year-old says. “That all changed that day.”

Lessons Learned the Hard Way

Two years after her fall, Heidi has pain that makes it difficult to care for herself and her 99-year-old mother. The pain is the worst at night when she is in bed. “It’s been an adjustment and challenge to get comfortable,” she says. Heidi has accepted a new normal for her life that includes being constantly mindful of how not to take another fall.

“Looking back, I’d say that preventing falls is key,” she says. “It’s just being aware that a fall could happen any time and then taking the little bit of extra time needed to do things to prevent it.” By that, she means:

• Avoiding stairs whenever possible. When stairs are inevitable, hold on to the handrails.
• Being mindful of slippery surfaces. Wear shoes or socks with no-skid soles.
• Adjusting your routine for safety. “Now when I have to bring something downstairs,” Heidi says, “I carry it in a basket so I can still hold the railing.”

SCAN at Her Side

Heidi also learned from her fall experience how much she appreciated having SCAN as her health plan. “SCAN has made it possible to get this far,” she says. “Because of SCAN, I’ve found a primary care doctor close to home who has been so important in my recovery. And I’ve been able to see the right specialists to evaluate and help me.”

A fall changed Heidi’s life, but “I’ve adapted to limitations and I’m at least comfortable where I’m at right now,” she says. “I wish the fall never happened, but it did. It was a big hardship, but SCAN helped me get through that.”