Families in Hollywood and other communities who have elderly loved ones in care worry about their family members becoming victims of nursing home abuse and neglect. Slip and fall accidents in Hollywood are an especial concern for families, and a new study shows that families are right to be worried. According to a new research study from Simon Fraser University, trip and fall and slip and fall accidents in long-term care facilities have been increasing.
The study was published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal and found that 60% of elderly long-term care patients admitted to hospitals were admitted due to head injuries caused by falls. According to the researchers, the instances of these types of accidents increased in the past few years. Researchers also concluded that elderly residents who fell forward had three times the risk of head injuries when compared with residents who fell back or fell on their side.
If you have an elderly loved one in care and wish to protect them from a slip and fall accident or elder abuse in Hollywood, there are a few things you can do:
1) Choose a long-term care facility carefully. Look for a facility with a reputable staff and a good reputation. Visit often before you make a choice so that you can see what precautions are taken to keep residents safe and healthy. Also, make sure that there is enough staff and supervision at the facility. Residents are more likely to suffer from serious falls if there is not enough staff to help them when assistance is needed.
2) Check up on loved ones regularly. This way, you can see for yourself whether neglect is an issue and whether proper steps are being taken to keep your relative safe.
3) Ensure that the facility and staff take steps to reduce slip and fall and trip and fall accidents. The floors should be clear of anything that can pose a tripping hazard and there should be multiple grab bars (especially in the bedroom) to assists residents with mobility issues. Floors should have no-slip treads in places where floors can get slippery. Bathrooms and showers should be equipped with seating areas, no-slip floors, and grab bars.
4) Pay attention to your loved one’s health. Health issues such as vision problems and mobility issues can increase the likelihood of slip and fall accidents and injuries. Make sure your family member gets medical attention as needed and stays in the best physical condition possible. If your loved one gets new medication, ask how the medication may affect mobility and balance. In some cases, a different prescription may be a safer option and may help prevent falls.
If your elderly loved one has been seriously injured in a slip and fall accident or if you suspect caregiver neglect or abuse, contact the professional and compassionate legal team at Flaxman Law Group for a free accident consultation. Review your situation with a personal injury attorney to determine what can be done to protect your loved one.