As we went to bed Ben told me he was not going to be able to sleep well. I suggested he use reverse psychology on himself; to tell himself he is feeling good and relaxed so he can have the best mind-set to fall asleep and to sleep well. This did not work, if he tired it. Ben was up several times during the night to raid the refrigerator. He roams around inside the house because he is board or because he is having pain. Those restless legs of his just give him fits. He does have a dog to help him manage his pain, but there are some nights that he thrashes all over the bed almost non-stop.
I was sound asleep but about 4:00 am I awoke to hear my name and Ben yelling "help me". He told me he hit hard. I asked what happened. Ben said he was not sure what happened; he thought he was sitting down on a chair but landed on the floor with no chair around him. We have hard wood floors so I am sure this did hurt. The first thing that goes through my mind is Did he hit his head. He takes blood thinners and head trauma could be disastrous. Next, I worry about other broken bones that might require medical treatment, maybe even a surgery. Surgery can be the downfall (no pun intended) of an older person with health issues. I thank God I did not see any bruising. I was able to assist him to get up off the floor and go back to bed. Nothing broken and all body parts seem to be working as well as prior to this fall. No obvious impact to his head or face. I was able to breath a sigh of relief.
Today has been uneventful. Ben has slept most of the day, waking for meals and his medication, but then back to sleep. Today he sleeps in his chair in the garage, his chair in the house and also in bed. We now have a master bedroom with handicap accessible bathroom on the main floor of our home. It is very handy and much safer for Ben. He no longer has to climb the stairs for bed or access to his clothing. I am able to worry less.
I am curious what others are doing to help their loved one who has Parkinson's disease to remain safe in their own home. Comment below. Thanks.