Senior Care – Fall Precaution

by Wormington & Bollinger

Senior-Care-Fall-Precaution-Wormington-and-Bollinger-McKinny-Texas-LawyerWe want you to be safe and we want you to get the justice you deserve. Falls in hospitals are avoidable and can have a potentially dangerous outcome which occurs due to neglect. Some facts we would like to share regarding falls are:

  • 33% of adults over the age of 65 fall each year! That is one too many.
  • 25% of these 33% falls result in medical injuries, such as lacerations, hip fractures or head traumas (i.e. subdural hematoma).
  • Over 50% of accidental deaths from injury are due to falls in the 65 years of age and over population.
  • 95% of hip fractures are from a fall.
  • 20% of people with hip fractures will likely have fatal outcomes due to their fall within twelve months.

The hospital should constantly screen its patients for risk factors. Some of these include:

  • Identify Postural Issues,
    • Lumbar issues?
    • Scoliosis?
    • Arthritis?
    • Malignancies?
    • Osteoporosis?
  • Deficits with Strength,
    • Stroke?
    • Vitamin deficiencies?
      • Specifically, vitamin d deficiency.
    • Dementia?
  • Range of Motions,
    • Abuse at home?
      • This may be uncomfortable to hear but should make the family members feel that their medical staff cares about their loved one’s overall well-being.
    • Cast?
    • Surgeries?
  • Balance,
    • Do you need a cane?
    • Do you need a walker?
    • Do you need glasses?
    • What medications are you taking?
  • Exercise Program
    • Occupational therapy?
    • Physical therapy?
    • Recreational therapy?

When you or a loved one are hospitalized, check your own surroundings to make sure you are safe:

  1. Be aware of any uneven surfaces.
  2. Clear the way.
  3. Check to see if the hospital offers regular exercise regimens for their patients.
  4. Check the lighting in the hospital.
  5. Do not run! Take your time getting to where you need to be. Be fully aware of your surroundings.
  6. Check for elevators and avoid stair usage.
  7. Make sure the floors are appropriately marked when they are wet!
  8. Imperatively, is there proper supervision. Too many hospitals are over-populated and under-staffed. Your loved one deserves individualized care and attention that should not be overlooked.

Majority of falls are preventable if your medical staff understands your risk. When you are in the hospital and you are at risk, the nurse should place a sign in your room and outside that clearly, marks “Fall Precaution.” Also, with the help of family and loved ones who visit the hospitalized patients, there can be continued efforts made to make sure the proper guidelines are in place for senior citizens, particularly, for fall precautions.

Did you or a loved one fall in a hospital in McKinney, Texas and it was due to lack of care or attention by the medical staff? Then look no further and call us today.