Tap water scalds among seniors and the elderly: Socio-economics and implications for prevention

Alden, Nicole E.; Bessey, Palmer Q.; Rabbitts, Angela; Hyden, Philip J.; Yurt, Roger W.

doi:10.1016/j.burns.2006.10.003

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Volume 33, Issue 5 , Pages 666-669, August 2007

Tap water scalds among seniors and the elderly: Socio-economics and implications for prevention

Nicole E. Alden
- William Randolph Hearst Burn Center, New York Presbyterian-Weill Cornell Medical Center, 525 E 68th Street, L706, New York, NY 10021, USA
- Corresponding authors. Tel.: +1 212 746 5881; fax: +1 212 746 8991.
Palmer Q. Bessey
- William Randolph Hearst Burn Center, New York Presbyterian-Weill Cornell Medical Center, 525 E 68th Street, L706, New York, NY 10021, USA
Angela Rabbitts
- William Randolph Hearst Burn Center, New York Presbyterian-Weill Cornell Medical Center, 525 E 68th Street, L706, New York, NY 10021, USA
- Corresponding authors. Tel.: +1 212 746 5881; fax: +1 212 746 8991.
Philip J. Hyden
- Department of Pediatrics, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
Roger W. Yurt
- William Randolph Hearst Burn Center, New York Presbyterian-Weill Cornell Medical Center, 525 E 68th Street, L706, New York, NY 10021, USA

Accepted 3 October 2006.

Abstract

Introduction

Tap water scalds among those ≥60 years old are often attributed to physical impairments with aging. This study assesses socio-economics associated with tap water scalds among seniors and the elderly.

Methods

Charts of patients admitted to an urban Burn Center between 7/00 and 6/04 for treatment of tap water scalds were reviewed. Demographics, injury details, co-morbidities, surgical interventions/critical care requirements, length of stay (LOS), disposition and related economics were reviewed.

Results

During the study period, 68 patients ≥60 years were hospitalized for treatment of these scalds. Mean age and burn size were 78±1 years and 7±0.9% TBSA. Over 98% of patients were admitted with pre-existing co-morbidities; 60% required ICU care for 40±5 days; 22% required mechanical ventilation and 71% required surgery. LOS was 34±4 days. Most patients received government assistance income. Pre-injury, 32% resided alone. Post-injury, 10% of patients returned home alone; mortality was 22%. Per patient hospital costs approximated $113,000.

Conclusion

These findings report that tap water scalds result in significant morbidity, mortality and health care costs for local seniors and the elderly. Socio-economic factors play a significant role in these injuries and must be assessed when planning prevention efforts.

Keywords: Tap water scalds, Elderly, Bathing related burn, Thermal injury, Burn prevention