Protecting Elderly Loved Ones From Fall Injuries and Elder Abuse

 Posted on August 20,2018 in Nursing Home Negligence

Every year, thousands of elderly Americans are injured either at their homes in assisted living facilities. From dangerous falls to physical and psychological abuse, the pain and mistreatment that elderly family members may face is staggering. 

According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), as many as five million elderly Americans could face elder abuse on an annual basis. Also concerning is the fact that one in every four Americans over the age of 65 are treated in the hospital for a fall-related injury each year. If your elderly family member suffers an injury or faces abuse at a nursing home, finding proper legal representation can ensure they receive the help they deserve. 

Preventing Elderly Falls 

The National Council on Aging (NCOA) estimates that every eleven seconds, an elderly American suffers a fall injury that requires hospitalization. Due to the prevalence and regularity of fall injuries among the elderly, you will want to do everything you can to protect their safety. If you believe an elderly family member may be susceptible to falling, increase their supervision, do not give them medication that impacts their balance and coordination, and always help them navigate stairs, slippery surfaces, and steep declines. 

Preventing Elder Abuse 

Tragically, elder abuse is another continually growing problem nationwide. According to the National Council on Aging, roughly one in every 10 Americans over the age of 60 face some form of elder abuse. Preventing elder abuse can be a difficult proposition, but there are steps you can take to help protect your elderly family member. If your loved one is living in an assisted living facility, visit them regularly, look out for physical abrasions or bruises, ask them questions, and try to look for noticeable changes in their mood, behavior, or emotions. 

Contact a Lake County Elder Abuse Attorney

Despite our best efforts, many families are likely to face the tragic ramifications of an injured loved one at one point or another. Within the elderly community, physical abuse and severe injuries can come with other health consequences, including mental health issues such as depression and lack of confidence. 

If your elderly loved one has suffered a fall injury or been the victim of elder abuse, it is critically important to find a knowledgeable and compassionate attorney. At Salvi and Maher, L.L.C., our team of Waukegan personal injury lawyers know just how difficult an injury to a parent or grandparent can be for the whole family, and we can help you pursue the financial compensation you deserve to address the harm your loved one has suffered. To set up a free consultation, call us today at 847-662-3303. 

Sources: 

https://www.ncoa.org/news/resources-for-reporters/get-the-facts/falls-prevention-facts/

https://www.ncoa.org/public-policy-action/elder-justice/elder-abuse-facts/