Clearwater Estate Planning: How To Protect Older Adults Against Accidental Injuries

When visiting their doctor, the focus for older adults is often on managing different chronic conditions, which have the potential to impact their overall health and mobility. While these pose serious threats, accidental injuries are a significant risk for those over 65 as well. They can happen in your home, when visiting medical providers, or in any public place, causing potentially severe impacts that affect you and your family for long afterward.

Our Clearwater elder law attorney helps clients in these cases. Find out how to prevent common types of older adult injuries and the estate planning documents that help protect you just in case they happen.

Older Adults At High Risk For Accidental Injuries

Injuries caused by accidents are among the leading causes of death and disability throughout Florida and across the United States and older adults are among those most at risk.

The National Safety Council warns that slips, trips, and falls pose the biggest threat. Over 3.5 million people over the age of 65 visit hospital emergency rooms due to broken bones, dislocated hips, and head, back, or neck injuries each year. Other common ways accidental injuries can happen to older adults include:

• Motor vehicle accidents;
• Pedestrian accidents;
• Being struck by or against objects in public places.

As we age, bones become more brittle and we lose muscle mass. Unfortunately, this not only increases the risk of serious accidental injuries but also makes any injuries suffered harder to recover from and may necessitate the need for long-term care or even hasten an otherwise untimely death.

Protecting Yourself Against Older Adult Injuries In Clearwater

As an older adult, you already know the importance of getting regular medical care and managing chronic health conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease. The Florida Department of Health advises taking precautions to prevent accidental injuries as well:

• Go through your home and address common safety hazards, such as excess clutter and uneven floors;
• Wear non-slip shoes both at home and when going out;
• Use handrails and a cane or other assistive devices as needed;
• Be extra cautious when driving or walking city streets.

Putting the appropriate estate planning documents can help protect you in the event injuries happen. Advance directives are recommended for everyone and allow you to communicate your wishes regarding medical care. Designating someone to act as your power of attorney documents ensures your personal affairs are handled properly while you recover, and a trust can help offset the high costs of any long-term or at-home care you require afterward.

Contact Our Clearwater Elder Law Attorney To Schedule A Consultation

As a Board Certified Elder Law Attorney, one of only a select few in Florida, William Raumbaum has protected the rights of older adults in Clearwater for over 40 years. Our office provides the personalized service and professional legal guidance you need to put advance directives and other vitally important estate planning documents in place. To schedule a consultation, call or contact our Clearwater elder law attorney online today.

Sources:

injuryfacts.nsc.org/home-and-community/safety-topics/older-adult-falls/

floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/prevention/older-adult-falls-prevention/index.html