That Slip and Fall Accident May Have Been Avoidable
October 9, 2020
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Marianne had been looking after her mother for some time. Ever since she was hospitalized for a couple of weeks following a major medical emergency, Marianne assumed it was her responsibility to look after her mother.
She lived in the same town. In fact, she was just a couple of streets over. She was only working a part-time job, her kids were grown and out of the house, and she had no other responsibilities that would interfere.
She assumed this would be a relatively straightforward and simple task. Boy, was she wrong. She never had any prior experience supporting an elderly person. Her mother was the first. And, following a hospitalization, she didn’t realize just how weak or her mother would be.
She didn’t consider the various safety hazards.
Before her mother was hospitalized, she was essentially taking care of herself well. She still drove, took the garbage down to the curb, brought it back in at the end of the afternoon, and so forth.
She also went shopping by herself, prepared her own meals, and was independent. Marianne stopped by regularly to visit, but didn’t need to do much around the house. Once in a while, though, there would be a lightbulb that need changing, laundry brought up, and so forth, but these were things she never thought twice about doing.
Once her mother returned home from the hospital, she was amazed at just how weak she had become. Still, Marianne didn’t consider what might happen in the event her mother had to use the bathroom in the middle of the night, for example.
One morning, the surprise found her.
She went to stop by her mother’s house in the morning and found her on the floor, caught between her bed and the bathroom. She was injured. Marianne immediately called for an ambulance.
Her mother was readmitted. This was only two weeks after being discharged from the hospital. Marianne didn’t know anything about hospital readmissions, the risks involved, or what it could mean for her mother going forward.
Her mother broke her hip, spent another week in the hospital, and then four weeks in a nursing home. By the time she was ready to be discharged, she was incredibly weak, frail, and sorrowful.
Could that have been avoided? It’s possible. Marianne realized that. She never considered how much tougher it was for her mother to get into and out of a tall bed, walk across the room by herself, and do other tasks she once took for granted.
It’s an important lesson that even though an elderly loved one has been discharged from the hospital, safety hazards may exist when they return home. And, some of those hazards could land them right back in the hospital again.
If you or an aging loved one are considering elder care in Avenues, UT, contact the caring staff at Interim Healthcare. Call today 801-401-3515.
Author: Michael and Marlena Hawkins, Owners, Interim HealthCare, Salt Lake City, UT
Interim HealthCare of Salt Lake City has been in business since February 2014, providing in-home personal care and support services that help our elderly and/or disabled neighbors live enriched, safe and independent lives. Our goal is to provide customized care and support services that make it possible for our clients to remain in the comfort of their own homes rather than relocate to an assisted living facility. Interim HealthCare is family owned by Michael and Marlana Hawkins, and is a Veteran Owned Small Business.
