Sorry for the stress and frustration you are going through. It's very tough to care for an ailing parent. I know. I took care of my mother for 5 years. For my mom, it was the beginning of the end. In January of 2015, she kept falling. Mostly just got bruises and small cuts. But on January 31, 2015, she fell good enough to go to the ER and get stitches on her nose and make sure she didn't sustain any head injuries. She ended up spending almost a month in the hospital due to other issues, then went to rehab because she had gotten so weak. By March of 2015, I had to make a heartbreaking decision to put her in the nursing home. Between that time and December 31, 2016 (when she passed away), she had stayed in a nursing home.

But, with all that said, I wouldn't get ahead of yourself and think that "it's the beginning of the end" for your mom, but I would be cautious. Have her checked out by a neurologist and her primary care doctor regarding her meds (if she takes any). Something could be going on that may be serious, but can be treated. I hope you can find some answers.

Thanks 4jesus. I know Im sort of getting ahead of myself in thinking this is the beginning of the end. She just seems so frail lately. She fractured her ribs about a month ago from a fall. This is affecting her outlook on life as well a bit - she is very short fused lately. I guess Im just a little scared.

It's ok to be scared. It's natural. I had all kinds of thoughts running through my mind. I would get a call from the nursing home and my heart seemed to beat out of my chest. But most of the time it wasn't anything to worry about. so, I started calming myself down. It's not easy, but you don't want to spend the rest of the time worrying. Just spend as much time as you can with her.

Has your mom been checked for a urinary tract infection (UTI)?
Sometimes UTI's can cause falling....also makes them cranky (short fused) even if there are no other symptoms.
My mom has a balance and falling issue and I did everything I possibly could ( making adjustments to her apartment, getting a caregiver, physical therapies and the therapist came to her apartment to guide her through her routines safely).
However, nothing worked.......even moving her in with me....it lasted 6 weeks. So I moved my mom into a nursing home this past November.
Even though I turned over every stone humanly possible, it turned out to be the best move for both of us (I'm an only child and my dad passed 5 years ago).
My mom has fallen several times within a six month span. She always falls backwards and hits the back of her head where she now has a permanent bump. She ended up splitting her head open and needed 3 stitches........and refused to acknowledge she had a falling problem. We spent more time in the ER......I couldn't go on like that.....and neither could she!
She claims she LOVES the nursing home (um....yeah....right). It sucks, but I think that after hitting her head several times, it may have sped up dementia.
Aging sucks and we try to let them have their independence for as long as possible.
Sometimes they can't even see that they need help and refuse it which puts a huge burden on the family.
Sometimes ya just gotta take the bull by the horns and put their safety and health above all else.

I'm not saying that you should put your mom in a nursing home, but perhaps she can get a companion (they are much cheaper) to help with some chores as well as keep her company a few days a week.
You can also check with Catholic Charities if money is an issue. They will give free help no matter what your religion may be.

My BIL has had his mom falling a few times....she is now in an assisted living apt....but she has fallen there too....fortunately I have not had to deal with my mom falling....she has not fallen for a long time now....I am glad...but my oldest sister has fallen a few times and she is now wearing the I've fallen and I cannot get up button around her neck....at her house....it is serious as she needs an assistant to get back up and usually it is 911 that gets to pick her butt off the floor.....she is 75 this year I think....

Oh boy. If ever i have to put her in a nursing home i will have a very steep uphill battle. Everytime a tv commercial comes on for a nursing home or even assisted living, she points and says "don't you ever put me in a place like that." Greaaaaat.

My mom told me the same thing. However, it is better than a broken bone and that is where we were headed.
I did it kinda sneakily (did the paperwork the day before and didn't tell her anything......just drove up and told her that this is how it had to be).
I let her settle a few weeks before visiting and it turns out.......she liked it (go figure).
I can't say it is what I wanted for her, but she gave me no choice.
My mom is dead weight, grossly overweight, and in a wheelchair.......and totally delusional on top of being oppositional/defiant and nasty....and a chronic complainer. Nothing makes the woman happy.

I hope it never comes to you having to put your mom in a nursing home. However, it beats you losing your own health and sanity.
Also, if your mom is running out of funds, it takes time to get them on Medicaid and that means if she does break a bone from falling or has a stroke......more than likely....you might be left paying out of your own pocket for medical or other incurred expenses.
I've already put out nearly 70k for my mom's expenses becuz she doesn't understand how the system works........plus she doesn't know how to manage her money......and she let ppl steal or take advantage of her and hid it from me.
Like I said.....I hope you never have to deal with a nursing home......but it may become a reality.

Yes, this is one of the dilemmas that we all seem to face. My MIL has fallen about 5 times since she moved in. 3 were "bad" in that she needed to be rescued. (2 by us, 1 by paramedics). The other 2 times were minor falls when she was seated and slipped down, or rolled out of bed.

There are a lot of emotions involved with this, moving in with their children is a wake up call for our parents that they are no longer able to live on their own. It can be very hard. Then when they start to fall, it is a sign that they are getting older, they may fear that death is the next step, or that a nursing home is the next step.

So yes, your mom is going through a lot of emotions associated with falling.

Gentle hugs

Bless your heart, and your mom's, as well. It's understandable that this would be causing anxiety. Can you and your mom speak with her doctor about your concerns? I wonder, too, if it would be worth having an experienced caregiver come in and give you a hand for an hour or two a week. Someone who's worked with elderly folks might have some tips on helping your mom get around, and it maybe it would help "normalize" what's going on. Just a thought. Take good care.

My Mom also has fallen a few tough times. More recently, she passed out cold from it. The day before, she was taken by ambulance for falling mid day. Many long hours later she was released with unstable BP and a UTI.
So, UTI is always something to remember. Also, passing BP readings. Sometimes the meds (if taking them) bring it too low and dizziness, brain fog, ans falling are all part of this.
Just my own experiences with my 90 year old Mom.