Dad Fell At The License Office

@webeishere (36313)
United States
July 22, 2008 7:06pm CST
Well dads ID was about to expire in a little while. So today after his bath, haircut, and shave I decided to take him to the License office and bank. He needed a new ID as his expires in a couple weeks. He needs to deposit his government incentive check as well. Well we never made it to ythe bank. As we walked up to a few feet from the License office dad fell. I could not grab nor support him well enough. Well his left hand hit the light pole there and he had a huge bruise that was twice the size of his hand at least. It was on the back of the hand. Anyhow we did get his new ID but then I told him he WAS going to the ER. he argued a lot but had no say in the matter really. All told he has a serious bruise. X-rays showed no fracture etc at all. So he has a bandage and Ace Bandage on it. Icing it a few times a day for a few days. I have to keep an eye on it as well. Just another pitfall in being a caregiver for him I guess. I told him that he is paying real soon to have a handicapped ramp added onto our front deck so it will be easier when he walks there to the car. Well thanks all for listening to my ramblings. Dad is fine and my nerves are a little rattled but I am fine as well. HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~
13 people like this
37 responses
@CatsandDogs (13963)
• United States
23 Jul 08
Oh I feel for you grandpa Bob. I so feel for you and know exactly how you're feeling too. My mom is doing better but still, she's fallen and fractured her pelvis and broke a rib and now is in a wheelchair at the rehabilitation center. Still, seeing her there in such a depressed state pulls on my heart strings but then again, it makes me angry because I wish I could tell her "YOU put yourself there so deal with it" but I can't because she IS my mom afterall. ARG!!
3 people like this
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
23 Jul 08
Yeah I remember that fall. Dad is going to be paying for the work to install a ramp on my deck. By the way. I have the Minnesota coffee mug. Still waiting on news from my brother on the Michigan. I may send one at a time if I wait much longer on him. Hahahaha! HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~
3 people like this
@CatsandDogs (13963)
• United States
23 Jul 08
I don't blame you there for you're going to need it pretty soon. Thanks again for the coffee mugs!! Hopefully your brother won't be much longer. lol But either way I can wait or you could send them one at a time. Now about your brother, is his nickname Turtle? lol
3 people like this
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
23 Jul 08
Buster Brown actually is his nickname. HAHAHA! HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~
3 people like this
@sunnflr (2767)
• United States
23 Jul 08
I'm so sorry to hear that your Dad fell. I hope his hands heals quickly. It's awful watching someone fall and not being able to help!
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
23 Jul 08
Being on blood thinners the bruise will be there for weeks. But the swelling hopefully will be gone in a few days. Thanks. HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~
1 person likes this
@sunnflr (2767)
• United States
23 Jul 08
Yeah I know what you mean. My Dad had to go on blood thinners after developing a clot behind his knee. He feel a few times and had to really watch the bruises to make sure they didn't bleed internally or get too bad. I hope your Dad heals soon.
@minnie_98214 (10557)
• United States
23 Jul 08
His butt needs to start using that wheelchair or at least his walker when out hes so stubborn. Humm I wonder where we get it from lol 3 generetions of stubborn people.
2 people like this
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
23 Jul 08
Yeah no more cane for him I said. Thanks sweetie. HAPPY POSTINGS FROM DADDY !!~
1 person likes this
• United States
23 Jul 08
Thank goodness you were there to help him after his fall. That is scary. Sounds like you have a lot on your plate, Grandpa Bob!
2 people like this
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
23 Jul 08
210 pounds of lot. HAHAHA! HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~
1 person likes this
@tyc415 (5706)
• United States
23 Jul 08
So sorry to hear about your dad's fall but thank goodness a bruised hand is all that happened to him. I know I would be rattled also if I would have been in your place today.
2 people like this
@jonesy123 (3948)
• United States
23 Jul 08
I'm glad to hear he has nothing broken. My dad had a fall when we were visiting him in Germany this month. Big bruise on the forehead, arm, and back. It took us a day to persuade him to go see the doctor. They can be stubborn to take advice from their children, lol. Just bruises and bruised rips, fortunately, but very painful. Anyhow, at a certain age it gets harder to get around and get solid footing even on pathways that one knows every inch off. A ramp and maybe other modifications around the house is not such a bad idea. Hope you guys stay safe;)
2 people like this
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
23 Jul 08
Yeah all the modifications will be paid by him as we don't have the funds for this at all. Anyhow thanks friend. He and I are dopiong good now that we are home and stuffed our bellies after 4 hours in the ER. Ughhh! HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~
1 person likes this
@gabs8513 (48686)
• United Kingdom
23 Jul 08
Goodness, I am just glad that he is fine and I don't blame you for taking him to the ER either, good on you for standing your ground on that one I bet you where shaken up as I would have been to I think he needs to take things slower the poor Man and you to I am just glad that you are both well though
1 person likes this
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
23 Jul 08
Oh I am stubborn as hell. There was nothing he could have done nor said that would have made me change my mind. Thanks. HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~
@suspenseful (40193)
• Canada
23 Jul 08
It sounds like your dad needs help and it is good that you are getting a ramp built to make it easier for him to get along. Does he still have his driving license and does he have a handicapped parking permit? Then if he does not, I would make sure that he gets one. Oh as for him living at home, my husband is trying to persuade us to move in two years time to a Senior's home. Maybe I should tell him about your father still remaining at home.
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
23 Jul 08
He has not driven since I took him in. Today he wanted a DL but I told him he isn't driving so just get an ID. It was a lot cheaper too. $24 for a DL and only $11 for a State ID. I have handicapped plates and am going to ask the Dr about getting them in my name as the car is in my name. I should be eligible as I am his caregiver and drive hiom places etc. No big deal if I cant as I will just drop him off at the door of wherever and help him in the move to a parking spot. Thanks bunches. HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~
@Wyldrose (1216)
• United States
23 Jul 08
I know you don't know me but thought I'd put my two cents in anyway. :) First of all, I'm glad your dad is ok. It's so scary when they fall, you just never know if they are gonna be bruised or if they may have fractured a bone. Even hairline fractures are painful. I went through this with my mom. After she got over her bout with cancer (thank God) and then her slight stroke, she fell and broke her hip. In the middle of her rehab for her hip, she fell again and fractured her other hip.She is doing better now but walks with a walker or uses her wheelchair. She actually gets around pretty good for someone who has gone through all of that. I love her to pieces but being the caregiver is really hard sometimes. When she needs to go to the store or something, getting her in and out of the car and into the store is a job in itself, but really, I don't mind. She's my mom and I love her and I will be there for her as long as she needs me. Funny how the roles are reversed when we get older and our parents get older. I'm glad you are ok too. Just always be there for your dad and let him know you care. That's the most important thing. :)
1 person likes this
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
23 Jul 08
Thanks. It's amazing the many times in the past 5 years dad has fallen he has yet to break a single bone. dad uses a walker and or a cane but he doesn't need a wheelchair just yet. This is the reason for a ramp soon though as he is getting weaker when it comes to walking around. I have a lifting strap but he doesn't go out a lot. To the Dr and the bank has been it for a year basically. But he is dad and I love him and will care for him till he too passes and sees mom once again. Thanks you very much this means a lot to me. HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~
@Wyldrose (1216)
• United States
23 Jul 08
What a wonderful son you are! Like you, I will be there for mom cause she lost her husband of 46 yrs (my wonderful (step)dad) and has to fend for herself unless myself or my sister are there for her. It's a long, tough road, but I just keep reminding myself that mom was always there for me when I was younger...now it's my turn... :)
@gemini_rose (16264)
23 Jul 08
I am sorry to hear about your Dads fall, it is all the joys of becoming older. But I am so glad that he did not have a serious injury, and you have to be careful trying to save someone who is falling as often you can end up hurting yourself more. But you are both OK and that is the main thing.
1 person likes this
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
23 Jul 08
His hand looks all right I guess today. he gets up and heads right to the freezer for the ice pack though which the wife and I find cute. he seldoms does anything for himself. But I guess he cares abiout his hand now. Hahaha! Thanks. HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~
@GreenMoo (11834)
23 Jul 08
Glad your Dad didn't injure himself more seriously. It's frightening how much damage a simple fall can cause, and I think you did absolutely the right thing taking him to get checked out.
2 people like this
@cjgrooms (4456)
• United States
23 Jul 08
I am so sorry about your Dads fall. If he doesn't want to be reasonable (most geriatrics don't) and use a w/c or walker then try to guilt him into it! You could have easily have been hurt trying to catch him, then what would he do? I ruined my back years ago and still have a lot of problems with it trying to catch a patient so i know how bad you can injure yourself and just how long you have to live with the pain from it. At least this time neither of you were really hurt but you both could have been! Remember GUILT if all else fails.
1 person likes this
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
23 Jul 08
Dad doesn't care really one way or another about either him or I getting hurt. Just the way he is actually. Sad but true. All he really cares about now is his life having been full and long enough. he is ready to go and would prefer to never see another Dr. But I won't let that happen and he knows this all too well. Usually when he falls I don't try to get him back up. I make him lie there until I call 911 and the Paramedics arrive to assist. This time it was out in public in a parking lot though. I just lifted him and did our business then drove right to the ER. Thanks also. HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~
@MOMMASAM (1004)
• United States
23 Jul 08
boy ! i know exactly what you mean. it is so stressful and hard to be the caregiver. and, i think for the person you are caring for, as well. my father had several strokes and problems with his heart. the only day he ever cried about it was when he was told he could no longer drive. older people are used to being independent. and, would love to attend to their own needs like before. sometimes it's not possible. of course, i could have fallen, too. can't take your eyes off of them for a minute. have to think 5 steps ahead of them, too. glad he is ok...and, you'll calm down soon, too.
1 person likes this
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
23 Jul 08
My dad is the complete opposite. he doesn't want to drive. He doesn't want to do a thing for himself. So I am taking care of his needs. He feeds himself etc. But baths and driving him places is my chore. Thanks bunches also. HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~
• United States
23 Jul 08
Bob, You are a awesome caregiver. Your want anyone would want in a Cargiver. Someone that cares! Good job on taking him to to the Er to get it cheacked out! I hope that you can get the ramp very soon. I know that it will be a huge Blessing to you as well as your dad once it is in place! i am happy to hear that he did not get hurt very badly. Lots of times bones get broke or frature in out Elder parents!
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
23 Jul 08
I am just doing what I feel is expected of me. I can't place him in a home unless there is no way I could care for him. I think we are going to wait till next summer for the ramp. he does't go outside much anyhow. Dr appointments and the bank get himm out is all. I'll mail his checks for deposit if I have to for awhile. HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~
@babystar1 (4233)
• United States
23 Jul 08
I'm sorry to hear about your dad falling. glad to here that he was ok and you are going to put up a handicapped ramp for him. You are such a good caregiver.
1 person likes this
@Debs_place (10520)
• United States
23 Jul 08
If he is on an anticoagulant (heparin, coumadin) he will get huge bruises. He should get his blood levels checked. And it is a good thing that you took him to the ER, you never know at that age what can happen and may not show up for a few hours. You are a good son!
1 person likes this
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
23 Jul 08
Yeah he takes blood thinners so that is the reasojn for such a nasty bruise. He has bruises all over from just bumping into the tables and chairs etc. HAHAHA! Thanks also. HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~
@jillhill (37354)
• United States
23 Jul 08
I am sure you were shook up....it's hard to be the caretaker and handle all the things that go with it.....but I am sure he will forever be indebt to you...Still good for you for caring for him.....it's a big job!
1 person likes this
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
23 Jul 08
I am sure he is not now nor ever will be indebted to me. Other than he does has some cash stashed aside just for me for being his caretaker. HAHAHA! Joking. But it is true. This is one of the hardest things in my life I've ever had to do. I would not recommend it as a full time job being a caregiver. But when he called I never thought twice about it and I wouldn't think twice if it ever happened again for other family members. Thanks bunches friend. Ieft a message as there was no answer when I tried calling just a few minutes ago. HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~
• Philippines
23 Jul 08
i hope your feeling a bit fine now Grandpa, i'm sorry to hear about your dad..how is he now? its a good thing that he didn't have any fractures, soon the bruise will fade away from his hand...you've always been a good son to your dad Granpa, you care much for your dad and your always been the best caregiver for him...things happen unexpectedly that we don't really want 'em to happen..so pls don't feel bad about it... have a great day Grandpa!
1 person likes this
@Hatley (163781)
• Garden Grove, California
23 Jul 08
Grandpa Bob hi am so glad your dad wasnt hurt any worse, not that a big bruise doesnt hurt like the dickens. I fell two years ago and was much more unfortunate, I broken the bones in my shoulder so badly I had to have a shoulder joint replacement which made me sort of bionic with a plastic and metal shoulder joint.Which really does not work as well as your own, I lost most of the motion in my left arm. but I am coping just fine. but now I look at things that I could stumble over and am very careful where I walk and how I walk. seems there is a lot of things in our homes we dont think about like poorly lit halls and slippery rugs, and stuff left on the floor, like electric cords you could trip over, or even books or magazines left on the floor. I am just a lot more careful since the fall.
1 person likes this
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
23 Jul 08
his is what scares me is him falling and breaking a hip or something along those lines. The x-ray did show serious arthritis as well as osteoprosis or however it's spelled. They are surprised the times he has fell and has yet to break a bone. gawd he is Living with an angel over him I swear. Thanks also. HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~
• United States
23 Jul 08
What a scare that must have given you wow. I'm glad you took him to the ER even though he tried to argue his way out of it it's better to be safe than sorry. I will say your dad is a fighter for I have read some of the other stuff that has happend tht you posted and he turned out ok lucky man he is. It's good to know he is ok and yes keep a close eye out on him. I think you do a great job at takeing care of your dad keep up the good work.
1 person likes this