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Briefing on Hospital Safety: Safety by design: Safe facilities for senior citizens

Hospital Safety Insider, October 27, 2016

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Hospitals and other healthcare facilities are intended to be havens of healing for the sick and injured as well as the aged. Ironically, however, many of these facilities can be challenging for seniors, disabled guests, and mobility-compromised individuals to enter, navigate, traverse, and exit safely. From cluttered and narrow corridors to flooring that provides poor traction to inconveniently located offices, these populations can face serious accessibility issues and injury hazards, particularly in older buildings that are less accommodating.

A recently published study by the National Institute on Aging reveals that the U.S. senior population will double by 2030, climbing to approximately 70 million, and that Americans age 65 can expect to live, on average, another 18 years. It stands to reason, then, that this group is going to represent a growing percentage of the occupants of your building, and a worsening safety and liability problem.

Even if your organization is not planning major renovations or new construction, there are things you can do to ensure a safer experience for elder and less mobile patients, staff, and visitors.

Read more here.

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