Accidental Drowning of the Elderly

PHOENIX, AZ, June 22, 2012 (Press-News.org) Simply because someone lives in an assisted living facility does not mean they give up on some form of exercise. For many of these elderly individuals, swimming was a part of their life when they were young, so why shouldn't they continue to swim? After all, it's one of the best forms of exercise you can do.

Unfortunately, there are reports of accidental drowning cases at these assisted living facilities that should not have happened. While there are many activities elderly people can do on their own, supervision should always be on the safe side at assisted living facilities. While someone may be able to perform an activity fairly well, they are most likely slower in their responses and motor skills. They may also perform activities which they have performed all their life, but are now dealing with an aging body that won't respond the way it used to, as well as become easily confused about certain things.

Staff members at assisted living centers and nursing homes should watch all residents as much as they can, but especially when they exercise in the pool. It can only take seconds before someone gets into trouble, but may take longer to realize this person may be drowning.

Although not every assisted living facility has a pool, those that do use them for resident exercise, as well as rehabilitation. Unfortunately, even staff responsible for watching and helping residents who are undergoing rehab can act negligently, causing someone to drown.

While accidental drowning of the elderly can lead to death, some of those who survive do so with diminished quality of life. Coma, brain damage, and irreparable lung damage can all cause an otherwise active elderly person to spend the rest of his or her life in bed, in a wheelchair, or otherwise disadvantaged.

Each assisted living facility and nursing home has the responsibility to make sure their residents are taken care of. These are a segment of our population who have given much to others and are now counting on others to help them through the remaining years of their life. How sad that some meet their end in wrongful death due to the negligence of those tasked with keeping them safe.

If you have lost a loved one due to drowning at an assisted living facility, and are in the Phoenix or Scottsdale, Arizona area, or anywhere in the state of Arizona, please visit the website of Cullan & Cullan MD, JD today at http://www.stopnursinghomeabuse.org.