By Susan M. Graham, Certified Elder Law Attorney, Senior Edge Legal, Boise Idaho.
Are you living your life, just as before, and somehow expecting different results? Even in the 1993 movie “Groundhog Day”, the hero finally did something different and that changed the future.
In the last month three of my clients fell and could not get up. One died from the fall. [Plan #1] Another said her next-door neighbor came home a few hours later and helped her into her home. She told me she lived in a busy neighborhood and planned to wait for a passerby to notice and help her up for any future falls. [Plan #2]. The third said she would just roll until she found a place where she could help herself up (even though she could not help herself up on her first fall.) [Plan #3] Do you know people who have one of these “plans” when they fall?
When someone falls, there is about a 50% chance they end up in the hospital and if that happens there is a 50% chance they will die. No matter the statistics, no one wants to fall, over nothing, a pet, a rug, a step…and in the best circumstances it hurts and takes time to recover.
What to do? The Mayo Clinic has 6 tips to prevent falls.[1]
- Make an appointment with your health care provider to review your medications, tell them about previous falls, and any changes in your health conditions;
- Keep moving;
- Wear sensible shoes;
- Remove home hazards;
- Light up your living space; and
- Use assistance devices.
I prefer Plan #4: Be proactive and take the steps needed to prevent any fall and enjoy the future.
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NEW ESTATE PLANNING WORKSHOP!! Join Susan Graham for an informative and interactive session on estate planning. February 21, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. or 2:00 p.m. Location: Washington Trust Bank, Meridian – 3251 E. Presidential Drive, Meridian, Idaho (Next to Goodwood Barbeque on Eagle Road). To reserve your spot, call 208-344-0375, or click here to register online. (Please indicate whether you want the 10:00 or the 2:00 sesssion.)
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Do you have a written estate plan that protects your future and your loved ones? Call to schedule a meeting with Susan Graham to give you peace of mind that your affairs are in order (phone 208-344-0375 or Contact Us on our website).
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Undoubtedly you have thought of someone who could use our services. If so, please have them call us at 208-344-0375. Introductions and referrals are the lifeblood of our practice. Thank you.
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[1] Mayo Clinic, Healthy Lifestyle, Healthy Aging, ”Fall Prevention: Simples tips to prevent falls”
