When she gets up, she has a dizzy spell and almost passes out. She has had so many “almost” falls, why?
If she’s been having dizzy spells or even falling, you may be worried that home is no longer safe. Before you make a move you don’t want to make, let’s talk about why these symptoms happen and what we can do to help keep her safe at home with the right support to manage this issue.
Why is Mom Falling or Feeling Dizzy?
One of the most common reasons older adults get dizzy is orthostatic hypotension (also called postural hypotension). This happens when blood pressure doesn’t recalibrate quickly enough as the body changes position—for example, when moving from lying to sitting and sitting to standing. Not enough blood reaches the brain, and your mom may feel dizzy, lightheaded, or even faint. this can happy right away or she can experience “delayed” orthostatic hypotension and it can come upon her after she is up.
Causes may include:
- Dehydration
- Parkinson’s or other neurodegenerative conditions
- Certain heart conditions
- Medication side effects
- Low magnesium or iron levels
What Can You Do About It?
The good news is that there are several practical steps you can take at home to reduce dizziness and prevent falls:
Daily Tips for Safety
- Sleep with the head of the bed elevated to prevent sudden blood pressure drops in the morning. Elevate feet when relaxing in a chair during the day.
- Compression socks or stockings and apply an abdominal binder to help maintain blood pressure when standing. Thigh-highs are best, but knee-highs or zipper compression socks are a good start if putting them on is difficult. A caregiver can assist with this daily routine. It is best to put these on BEFORE getting out of bed.
- Stand up slowly. Take your time between sitting, standing, and walking until the dizziness passes.
- Always have a support nearby. Keep a chair behind and something sturdy in front to hold onto when standing, like a walker with brakes on.
- Avoid hot showers in the morning. Shower later in the day when your body is more hydrated and medications are working at their peak. The hot temperatures will cause your blood pressure to drop even lower.
- Stay hydrated and consider increasing salt intake (with your doctor’s approval) to help maintain healthy blood pressure.
Questions to Ask the Doctor/Lab
- Magnesium levels: Low magnesium can affect blood pressure and balance, increasing fall risk.
- Iron levels: Both low and high iron can cause dizziness and affect blood pressure.
Medications to Ask About
If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, your doctor may recommend prescription options that help regulate blood pressure and reduce dizziness:
- Midodrine: Helps blood vessels tighten to raise blood pressure.
- Fludrocortisone: Helps the kidneys retain salt, increasing blood volume.
- Pyridostigmine: Supports blood pressure when standing.
- Droxidopa (Northera): The only FDA-approved drug for neurogenic orthostatic hypotension, converted into norepinephrine to stabilize blood pressure.
Why This Matters
Don’t Let Falls or Dizziness Push You Into a Move You Don’t Want to Make
Unmanaged dizziness and falls don’t just cause injuries—they often force families into making quick unwanted decisions about moving to assisted living or nursing care. With the right support, planning, and caregiver help, your mom can continue to live safely and confidently at home.
At Home Care Partners, we specialize in bringing assisted living home. We help families like yours understand the issue, manage conditions such as Parkinson’s and dementia, while also supporting day-to-day safety needs like fall prevention. Don’t let a dizzy spell dictate your mom’s future—there are options to keep her right where she wants to be: in her forever home.
📞 Call us at 402-780-1211 to learn more about how we can help.
Our Caregiving team provides personal one-on-one attention for your loved one. When you are ready to begin your care journey, we are the experts that will answer your questions and help you implement a plan.
Home Care Partners is locally owned and committed to providing Thoughtful, Quality, and Dedicated Care.
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