Providing a high-quality and safe environment and care for vulnerable seniors is a top priority for continuing care communities (CCCs). Senior communities that provide a full continuum for seniors aging in place (including independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, and memory care) often focus their safety concerns and resources on the licensed areas of the community, where falls and skin breakdown are the subject of lawsuits. Sometimes overlooked are the risks that arise when independent living residents bring their own personal caregivers into the community to support their needs.
Growing Use of Personal Caregivers
More and more seniors are finding safety and security in CCCs throughout the country. And, as they age in place, maintaining that independence often involves the use of personal caregivers who come into the CCCs and create additional risks. Each time a personal caregiver is allowed admittance to the CCC, real risk is created- and that risk can lead to legal liability, including:
- Injury to other residents
- Injury to the resident that hired the caregiver
- Injury to the caregiver caused by other residents
- Slip, trip and fall (or other general liability claims) by the caregiver against the CCC
- Theft/damage to property
But there are a few basic steps that a CCC can do to reduce those risks, while still allowing residents their independence. Here are some simple considerations:Continue reading
More and more seniors are finding safety and security in continuing care communities (