My Father-in-Law Had a Scary Fall Today

February 1, 2025

Bruce called today, very upset. His dad had fallen.

My father-in-law wanted to go to church today. Bruce drove him and parked the car as close as he could to the entrance.

Bruce offered to get the walker for his dad, but his dad didn’t want it. Bruce suggested using the ramp, but his dad wanted to use the steps. Bruce said his dad didn’t think he needed any help. Bruce told his dad that he’d watch to make sure he made it into the church.

Bruce saw his dad take the first step, then the next, start to wobble, try to step back down, loose his balance and start to fall backwards.

Bruce realized there was a problem and was running to get to him, but didn’t make it. Bruce thought he was close enough to help if needed, but far enough back to allow his dad to feel more independent.

My father-in-law hit his head again. My FIL hit hard enough both his hearing aids came out. Bruce said he also had a scalp injury and was bleeding.

Bruce tried to convince his dad to go to the hospital to get checked out. His dad refused, saying he was alright. Bruce said his dad just didn’t want to get checked out. Bruce tried several times to see if his dad would change his mind.

I know my FIL has a CAT scan coming up, so maybe that’s why he doesn’t feel the need to get checked out. I suggested to Bruce that he call the doctor’s office and let them know his dad fell and hit his head. They may want to see him sooner.

Bruce let his siblings know about the fall.

I had a very worrying thought, who knows how many times my FIL may have fallen in the past, but not told anyone.

Bruce had been so happy seeing how well his dad was doing. Bruce is badly shaken and we are just hoping my FIL is truly okay.