Florida law protects nursing home residents from abuse in several ways. The state has a list of more than 20 rights that nursing home residents are guaranteed. These rights include the right to be safe and free from physical and mental abuse, the right to privacy, the right to choose their doctors, and the right to have a say in their care.
If a nursing home violates any of the rights of its residents, they can be severely punished, including being sent to prison for up to 30 years. Depending on the severity of the physical, mental, or sexual abuse and trauma that the elderly person experienced, the court may also award them millions of dollars in damages.
Here, our elder abuse attorney shares more about nursing home abuse:
The Problem of Nursing Home Abuse in Florida
The problem of nursing home abuse in Florida is a serious one. In fact, it is estimated that one in every three nursing home residents in the state has been a victim of either abuse or neglect.
There are many reasons why this problem is so prevalent in Florida. For one, the state has a large elderly population. In 2019, there were almost 4.5 million people over the age of 65 living in Florida.
Second, Florida has a large number of nursing homes. There are about 700 nursing homes in the state. This number is expected to grow as the population ages.
Third, many of the nursing homes in Florida are for-profit facilities. This means they are likely to focus more on making money than providing quality care for their residents.
Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
If you have a beloved family member in a nursing home in Florida, it’s essential to be aware of the signs of common nursing home abuse and to know what steps you can take to ensure it doesn’t happen or address it if it does.
Nursing home abuse can take many forms, including physical, emotional, sexual, and financial abuse. It can also happen when a nursing home fails to provide seniors with adequate care, leading to neglect.
Signs of nursing home abuse can include bruises, bed sores, sudden weight loss, changes in behavior, and more. If you notice these signs, it’s crucial to take action.
How to Prevent or Address Nursing Home Abuse
You can take a few steps to prevent or address nursing home abuse in Florida.
First, you can talk to your loved one about their experience in the nursing home. They may be too scared to tell you directly if they are being abused. But by talking openly about their day-to-day life in the nursing home, you may get them to open up about any problems they’re having.
Second, you can talk to the staff at the nursing home. If you have any concerns, don’t be afraid to voice them. The staff should be able to address your concerns and help you to resolve any issues.
Third, you can contact the Florida Department of Elder Affairs. The Department of Elder Affairs can investigate abuse and neglect complaints in nursing homes. They can also provide you with information about your rights and options.
Fourth, you can contact an attorney. An attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options and represent you in any legal action you may need to take.
Conclusion
Taking action to prevent or address nursing home abuse is vital for the safety and well-being of your loved one. By taking the steps shared in this post and working with the best elder abuse attorney, you can help ensure that they can live a safe and happy life in their nursing home.
Calandro Law offers the services of the best elder abuse attorney in Brandon, FL, and nearby areas. Set up a meeting with our attorney today to know more!
