One in three older Americans suffer a fall each year. Falls are also the leading cause of both fatal and non-fatal injuries for older individuals. These falls can lead to serious injuries such as hip fractures, head injuries, and other broken bones, which, in turn, may lead to an increasing need for long-term care services. For those individuals who are over the age of 75, falling will result in them being four times more likely to be admitted to a skilled nursing facility. Repeated falls also can lead to a marked decrease in independence, fearfulness about walking or moving about, depression, and difficulties in staying active. Fortunately, there are simple steps that you can take to help the older individuals in your life avoid falls.
Speak to your loved one about falls or fears of falling. Ask what you can do to help remedy that fear and/or make it safer for him or her to remain active while still avoiding falls. If your loved one is experiencing dizziness or problems with balance, then speak with his or her healthcare provider in order to get treatment to minimize those symptoms. A simple medication switch might help alleviate some or all of their symptoms, or physical therapy might help improve balance. In some cases, your loved one might be having difficulties with vision that necessitates a new prescription. All of these steps can decrease the risk of falls in older individuals.
You also can help prevent falls by completing a safety assessment of your loved one’s physical surroundings. Make sure that there are clear paths throughout your loved one’s home and between the different areas of the home. There should be adequate lighting, particularly along staircases, as well as sturdy railings to provide support. Bathrooms should have grab rails near the toilet and tub/shower. A shower chair and handheld shower also can decrease the potential for falls.
Unfortunately, falls can be one sign of nursing home neglect. At Boller & Vaughan, we have investigated countless allegations of nursing home neglect, no matter what type of situation they involve. Allow us to look into the facts and circumstances surrounding your case, discuss your options, and help you determine the most appropriate course of action for you and your family. Contact the Wisconsin nursing home abuse attorneys of Boller & Vaughan, and learn how we can help.
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We live in Friendship, Wisconsin, and Boller & Vaughan came to our doorstep to discuss our mother’s wrongful death claim on a Saturday morning. Not only were we pleased with the large recovery, we were so thankful to have lawyers who were willing to explain to us every twist and turn along the way. It is great to know there is a law firm that will fight for the rights of elderly people all over Wisconsin.
Mr. Boller and Ms. Vaughan were incredible in working on my case and my daughter’s case. I was out of work and in the hospital with a new baby. Mr. Boller and Ms. Vaughan protected our rights and it was a pleasure to work with them. I hope never to be in another motor vehicle accident, however, if I am and I am injured, I will contact Boller & Vaughan immediately.
I was referred to Michelle through a friend. I have never had a better experience. It took a little over a year to get my settlement but the staff there stayed in constant contact and kept me in the loop. Oh, and Michelle actually got me MORE money than we discussed. I will refer anyone to this firm. Words cannot do justice the thanks that I have for Michelle and her staff (Mary especially) thank you guys so much!
After my husband died as a result of a motor vehicle accident, Boller & Vaughan spent countless hours talking with me, meeting with me in person, and making sure that I was okay. The drunk driver who hit us did not have any insurance, and we had to make a claim through our own insurance. Boller & Vaughan was fantastic at explaining the law to me and the handling of our claims.
After my son was injured in a daycare setting, Ms. Vaughan took the time to thoroughly investigate our case and my son’s injuries. Michele was approachable and had answers to our questions. Talking with her helped to relieve many of our anxieties.
