Guide
Why is my elderly mum or dad so weak?
Often it is lost muscle, not old age. After illness or time in bed, older people lose strength quickly, and much of it can be rebuilt. But weakness has many causes, and some need a doctor first. Sudden weakness, especially on one side of the body, is an emergency: call 999.
Common reasons for gradual weakness
- A hospital stay or illness: muscle wasting starts within 24 to 48 hours of going into hospital
- Moving less, often after a fall or because of a fear of falling
- Pain or stiffness that has made them stop doing things
- Not eating or drinking enough
- Medicines, and health conditions the GP can check for
- Low mood, which drains energy and motivation
1kg
of muscle is lost from the legs after ten days of bed rest, in healthy older adults averaging 67.
When weakness is urgent
- Call 999
- If weakness comes on suddenly, especially in the face, an arm or a leg on one side, or with slurred speech. These can be signs of a stroke.
- Call NHS 111 or the GP
- If they have become much weaker over a few days, or it comes with a fever, new confusion, or not eating and drinking.
- See the GP
- If they have been getting gradually weaker over weeks or months, to check for causes such as medicines or other health problems.
What helps
- Strength and balance exercise, started gently and built up
- Getting up and moving through the day, not only during exercises
- Eating and drinking enough
- Changing what at home makes moving harder
How we can help
We test their strength, balance and walking at home, and find out what has changed and why. If something needs a doctor first, we say so. The plan sets out what can come back and what to do first, and where strength work is the answer, we can do it with them at home.
The assessment is £140, and it starts with a free consultation call.