When my elderly father would come to visit me, I would ask, “Where’s your cane Dad?” He would say that he didn’t need it, and that he was trying to build up his strength. He needed to use his cane though, because he would hang onto me or my brother, or hang onto whatever was close to him, like a lampost, etc. One evening on a weeknight at about 3:00 a.m., my father called me to tell me that he had fallen. It was bad, in that he cut his head, and we had to take him to the emergency room. He was badly shaken, and it took a long time for him to recuperate.
Injuries from falls from older people is a real concern. Statistics show that once an older person has fallen, they are likely to fall again, unless precautions are taken. Injuries are the fifth leading cause of death among older people, and 80% of those injuries are the result of falling. For older women, falls can more often cause bone fractures because of osteoporosis. My older clients remind me of my parents, and I encourage them to use their canes or walkers.
We often receive calls from the loved ones of older persons who have fallen. Many times it is a wake up call to get things in order, such as wills, trusts and other estate planning documents. The concern for planning for long term care for the older client becomes more critical.
Written Michael J. Young, lawyoung1@gmail.com, elder law attorney in Walnut Creek, CA. www.WalnutCreekElderLaw.com mike@WalnutCreekElderLaw.com. 1931 San Miguel Dr., Suite 220, Walnut Creek, CA 94596. 925-256-0298. Mr. Young serves Contra Costa and Alameda Counties, including the cities of Walnut Creek, Alamo, Danville, Concord, Brentwood, Pleasant Hill, Antioch, Clayton, etc.