June Is National Safety Month: How To Protect Older Adults In Clearwater
June is designated as National Safety Month. It raises awareness of common problems that could jeopardize your health and well-being, which is particularly important for older adults in our community. Our Clearwater elder law attorney explains more about common hazards people over 60 face and how to keep yourself and older loved ones safe.
Common Hazards That Impact The Health And Safety Of Older Adults
The National Safety Council (NSC) sponsors National Safety Month annually in June. It highlights serious safety concerns and offers tools and resources to keep people of all ages in our community safe.
Health and safety are particularly important topics for people aged 60 or older. Among the biggest hazards they face include:
- Unmanaged chronic health conditions: The National Institutes of Health recommends older adults work closely with their doctor to manage chronic conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
- Accidental injuries: Unintentional, accidental injuries are a leading cause of death and disability throughout the United States. While young people tend to bounce back quickly, older adults typically take longer to recover and may suffer ongoing impairments.
- Sudden illnesses: Cancer and other serious conditions pose obvious risks, but even the flu or respiratory infections could be life-threatening and may necessitate the need for long-term care.
- Loss of assets: You work hard all your life in accumulating assets. Unfortunately, scams and the high costs of medical care can quickly wipe out your savings.
- Loss of autonomy: Maintaining your independence and conveying your wishes in regard to where you live, the type of care you receive, and how your assets are managed is a top priority for most older adults.
Protecting Yourself Against Common Hazards That Go Along With Aging
After working hard all your life to provide for others, older adults need to be aware of hazards that could put their health and well-being at risk. Our Clearwater elder law attorney has over 35 years of experience helping clients and their families deal with the demands and challenges of aging. Ways to protect yourself include:
- Attend regular doctor visits: Report new symptoms, undergo routine screenings, and take prescribed medications.
- Make your living area safe: Excess clutter, poor lighting, and slick flooring surfaces are hazards that make accidental injuries more likely.
- Assess your driving abilities: Check with your doctor about driving limitations, have your vision checked, and reduce travel at night and weekends, which is when accidents are most likely to happen.
- Update your estate plans: Make sure your will reflects your current situation, consider creating a trust for Medicaid planning, and use advance directives to convey your wishes in regard to medical care.
Request A Consultation With Our Clearwater Elder Law Attorney
William Rambaum has over 44 years of experience representing older adults in our community. Our Clearwater elder law attorney provides the trusted, local legal representation needed to protect yourself and your loved ones, now and in years to come. Call or contact our office online and request a consultation today.
Sources:
nsc.org/workplace/national-safety-month#:~:text=June%20is%20National%20Safety%20Month
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5732407/