rollergal, sounds like it is time for hubby to try using a Rolling Walker.
My Dad was becoming a fall risk due to age [late 80's] and could tumble over just trying his shoe or pulling weeds in the yard. I bought him one of those Rolling Walkers and you'd think I had bought him a Mustang. He loved it!! He was rolling everywhere, and could manage the hand brakes, etc.
With your hubby, best to check with his primary doctor to see if falling is related to meds he is taking. If he is on blood pressure meds, if the meds are stronger then what he needs, he could get dizzy standing up. That happened to my sig other, and cutting back on the pills helped greatly.
If hubby has diabetes, sometimes standing up from a sitting positing could make him feel faint. The doctor can do a blood pressure test where hubby goes from sitting to standing to see if there is a change.
Check his blood pressure - low blood pressure can bring on lightheadness. It's time to use a rollator or walker fulltime - canes are pretty iffy. Get a life alert if he's alone at home at all. Check that his shoes are secure and give him good footing - slippers and slip ons are risky. Look over your home for any trip hazards.
I think that Parkinson's disease can and does cause instability. Does he use any equipment to help him be more stable?
If not, I would see his doctor and request a referral for OT and PT, they can help with the new normal, fit him and teach him how to use a rolator or walker.
I would also ask his neurologist about what the future looks like. Progressive diseases usually have levels that are universal for all sufferers.
Agree with what's been mentioned below that there can be many causes, some that may be able to be addressed. Often the elderly shuffle as they walk which causes them to trip and fall. A PT can help give them exercises to strengthen their leg muscles and practice lifting their feet as they walk. My mom goes up and down her stairs practicing this in the winter when she's not able to get outside as much. Also, you husband needs to be onboard with any "homework". Many people are not very excited about using a cane or walker, but that's the obvious immediate (and affordable) fix. But best to address this with his doctor so s/he knows it's a new problem.
There could be a lot of things at play here. My mother fell a lot because she wasn’t concentrating on where she was going and moved too fast. I have the same problem, actually.
Has he had an eye exam lately? If you can’t see an obstacle it’s difficult to avoid tripping over it. How about his ears? An ear infection can affect balance. Does he mention he’s dizzy? Has he had a general wellness exam by his PCP? Is your home set up for ease of movement for him? Might he need a walker or a cane? Speak with his doctor. Some very simple tests might uncover an issue.
My father used one of the portable foot/hand bikes; he pedaled happily while listening to his favorite music.
They're reasonably priced unless you get one of the more heavy duty models.
https://www.globalindustrial.com/p/medical-lab/physical-therapy/exercise/global-153-pedal-exerciser-silver-vein-knocked-down?infoParam.campaignId=T9F&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIvq2ukbSG5wIVRNbACh0gCgE_EAQYASABEgJv5PD_BwE
Good, solid shoes are a must as well.
My Dad was becoming a fall risk due to age [late 80's] and could tumble over just trying his shoe or pulling weeds in the yard. I bought him one of those Rolling Walkers and you'd think I had bought him a Mustang. He loved it!! He was rolling everywhere, and could manage the hand brakes, etc.
With your hubby, best to check with his primary doctor to see if falling is related to meds he is taking. If he is on blood pressure meds, if the meds are stronger then what he needs, he could get dizzy standing up. That happened to my sig other, and cutting back on the pills helped greatly.
If hubby has diabetes, sometimes standing up from a sitting positing could make him feel faint. The doctor can do a blood pressure test where hubby goes from sitting to standing to see if there is a change.
Let us know what the doctor finds.
If not, I would see his doctor and request a referral for OT and PT, they can help with the new normal, fit him and teach him how to use a rolator or walker.
I would also ask his neurologist about what the future looks like. Progressive diseases usually have levels that are universal for all sufferers.
Has he had an eye exam lately? If you can’t see an obstacle it’s difficult to avoid tripping over it. How about his ears? An ear infection can affect balance. Does he mention he’s dizzy? Has he had a general wellness exam by his PCP? Is your home set up for ease of movement for him? Might he need a walker or a cane? Speak with his doctor. Some very simple tests might uncover an issue.