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Study Finds Hospital Stays May Result in Cognitive Problems for Seniors

January 7, 2020 Injury Lawyer San Diego 0

If your loved one is in need of medical care, assisted living or memory care make sure to research all your options thoroughly before considering a hospital. San Diego has many thriving senior living options that can provide high level of medical care without needing to be hospitalized.

Senior citizens have a high likelihood of ending up in the hospital at some point, whether it is for a minor or major injury or illness, but the complications of such visits may extend beyond the merely physical. A Chicago-based study recently published results of 12 years of research that found hospital stays for adults over the age of 65 may result in a vastly increased rate of decline in cognitive and memory function.

social security disability lawyers near meAccording to a report by CBS News, the study, which followed 1,870 adults at least 65-years-old over the course of 12 years, found that those who were hospitalized at some point experienced double the decline in memory and cognition than they did prior to entering the hospital and compared to other subjects that were never hospitalized. The study involved researchers performing thinking and memory tests on subjects every three years and assigning scores based on their performance. Over the course of the study, 71 percent of the subjects were hospitalized at least once.

While scores decline as subjects grew older, decline rates quickly jumped after a hospital stay, with long-term memory declining three times faster and attention 1.5 times faster after the first hospital stay. The increased rate of decline was marked as similar to a person 10 years older. While the severity of injuries and treatment were taken into account in relation to cognitive function, only three percent ever entered a critical care unit. Researchers believe that those with mental problems may be more likely to be hospitalized in the first place, but also stated that cognitive function is the least considered factor in acute medical care, with hospital environments and care often worsening it.

Being injured or contracting an illness while in a hospital is a misfortune that can befall a person at any age, as medical errors can take many forms and result in many types of accidents. Before considering a hospital, ensure you have considered a skilled nursing facility that are here to help you throughout your journey to recovery. Whether it’s short-term or long-term rehab, around the clock licensed nursing care in a supportive environment is are available.

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San Diego Car Accident Paralysis

January 5, 2020 Injury Lawyer San Diego 0

Car Accident Paralysis

While many walk away with little or no injuries from car accidents, there are many more who suffer immediate injuries that permanently change their lives. Among these injuries, suffering paralysis can have a huge impact on a victim, as even small details of everyday life may be affected by becoming paralyzed. Our legal team understands the devastating nature of becoming paralyzed in a car accident and the many circumstances that may lead to a paralysis-causing car crash. For the wellbeing of all California residents, we seek to inform everyone, whether or not they have fallen victim to such injuries, of the nature of these accidents and what actions may be taken to recover.

The Emotional Impact of Paralysis

family counseling servicesWhile the physical losses experienced because of paralysis can be incredibly difficult, the emotional impact of paralysis can be just as great. Suffering a paralyzing injury can occur in an instant, with victims having no chance to understand their injury before they have begun to experience their losses. This sudden loss of capabilities can cause a victim to experience any and all emotions ranging from denial to anger to depression, with acceptance of their losses possibly not occurring for a long time. Receiving professional family counseling services to cope with the emotional trauma of paralysis is just as important as physical rehabilitation, as the mental anguish caused by injuries can damage a victim’s career, relationships, and overall quality of life.

Coping with Paralysis

Paralysis can be caused by many different injuries and illnesses, however, during a car accident, it is often due to nerve damage, with spinal cord injuries causing the most widespread damage. Depending on the type and location of the injury, a victim may experience complete paralysis that inhibits both motor control and feeling or incomplete paralysis that does not completely stop all feeling or movement. Paralysis can occur in single limbs if the nerves in the limb have been severely damaged, or it can affect both legs (paraplegia) or all four limbs (quadriplegia) if the spinal cord is damaged.

therapist san diegoUnfortunately, many forms of paralysis can never be completely healed, even through extensive surgery. As such, physical rehabilitation can teach victims how to cope with their limitations and regain as much of their abilities as possible. Additionally, vocational rehabilitation can teach victims new skills to be used in a different occupation should the abilities that were needed for their job no longer be possible. With proper care, a victim can increase their quality of life to as high of a level as possible with their paralysis.

A solution-focused therapist or counselor can help you uncover your true potential and lead a life that is worth celebrating. While counseling services can’t change difficult situations of the past, it can work to better understand and resolve present challenges in your life. If you’re looking for extra support and guidance through a challenging situation like paralysis, or you’re just ready to move in a new direction in your life, contact family counseling San Diego we look forward to working with you to achieve your goals.

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