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South Carolina nursing home neglect lawyers understand that almost all senior citizens and their families prefer home care to in-patient treatment. Lieutenant Governor Glenn McConnell apparently recognizes this fact as well. In a May 2012 editorial, Lt. Gov. McConnell pointed out that home care is not only the preferred option, but also a less expensive alternative. Rather than spend 1000s of dollars on a nursing facility or emergency room visit, South Carolina families can partner with local organizations and our state’s Office on Aging to receive at home nursing, transportation, physical training, and respite services.
3 Ways to Keep SC Seniors Out of Nursing Homes
The difficulty lies in preventing our elders from reaching the point where nursing and emergency care are the only options. I therefore offer the following three suggestions to you and your family in hopes that it will help your loved one experience their “golden years” in good health, in their own homes, and in the company of the ones they love most:
1. Research which home care organizations provide services in your community, then compare costs, services, and reviews. Next, meet with the people who will be responsible for your health care or that of your loved one. Are they the types of people you want in your home? Would you trust them with your health? If you hesitate answering either of these questions “yes,” then your answer to the company should be “No, thanks,” and your search should continue.
2. Contact South Carolina’s Office on Aging. I am a small-government person, and try to avoid dealing with bureaucrats whenever possible, but I must commend our Lieutenant Governors on their work with elderly citizens. Our state’s seniors had long been ignored or paid only lip-service. The Office on Aging is working to change that fact. In many instances, South Carolina will provide added, preventive healthcare services that private organizations may not. Give them a call at (803) 734-9900 to learn what help is available.
3. Make seniors’ homes as safe as possible. This means using wireless devices, installing handrails, replacing steps with ramps, making use of remotes, accepting that a cane or walker may be a good idea, and getting rid of sliding furniture. All of these measures can reduce falls and increase our elderly citizen’s ability to remain in their own homes. Your loved one’s doctor or physical trainer may have additional recommendations pertaining to home safety – ask them.=
In sum, while my job as a Columbia, SC nursing home abuse attorney is to protect the rights of injured elders, it is also to protect them from risk. And while I am not a safety expert, I hope this article provides some valuable information and resources in our shared mission to guard seniors and make their golden years shine.
