Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse
Common Problems Resulting In Florida Nursing Home Neglect And Abuse
Nursing home neglect and abuse refers to a wide variety of problems that residents might face. Some are obvious, but some aren’t, and that can make it hard to know whether your loved one is a victim of abuse at a nursing home or other adult care facility.
At Philip DeBerard, Injury Attorney, in Florida, we can evaluate your concerns based on our skills and experience handling nursing home mistreatment cases. Contact us now to discuss your situation in a free and confidential consultation.
Philip DeBerard, Injury Attorney, represents clients across South Florida, including the Treasure Coast, Okeechobee and Palm Beach Counties, with our main office located in Stuart, Florida. Call us today toll-free at (888) 649-6092 or use our online form.
How Can I Tell If Someone I Know Is Suffering Nursing Home Neglect And Abuse?
Elderly nursing home residents face age-related problems every day, making them vulnerable and in need of ongoing care and assistance. That’s why it’s so important that they receive what the law says they must: safe, adequate and appropriate care and treatment that will allow them to enjoy the best possible quality of life, with dignity and respect.
The administrators and staff at many nursing homes take their responsibilities seriously and work hard to fulfill their duties to their residents. Unfortunately, though, not all do, and many take advantage of their residents’ vulnerability. That can result in suffering, injuries, and even death for nursing home residents who become victims of the very persons entrusted with their care.
Many times, it’s up to family and friends to take action on suspected nursing home mistreatment. Some residents may not be able to understand or communicate how they’re being abused, while others may not say anything because they’re embarrassed or afraid of retribution from nursing home staff.
In Florida, a recent report by the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program explains that over half of all complaints in nursing homes come from a relative or friend. Almost one-third of all such complaints come from friends and relatives of residents at assisted and independent living facilities, and adult family-care homes.
Common Indicators Of Florida Nursing Home Neglect And Abuse
Nursing home neglect and abuse can happen in too many ways to be included in any one list. Even so, there are many types of mistreatment that are most common, al of which which should give rise to concern.
In Florida, the top five complaints in nursing homes, as reported by the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program in its most recent annual report, were:
- Discharge or eviction of residents against their wishes
- Not being treated with dignity and respect, and similar problems with staff attitudes
- Problems with organizing and administering medications
- Staff members’ failure to respond to requests for assistance
- Issues with residents’ personal property
While those were the most commonly reported problems, other examples of nursing home neglect and abuse can include:
- Falls and broken bones
- Use of physical or chemical restraints
- Malnutrition or dehydration
- Bed sores
- Lack of proper supervision (which can include allowing residents to wander from the facility)
- Unexplained injuries that suggest physical abuse
- Unexplained weight gain or loss
- Theft of money or personal property
- Unexpected or wrongful death
- Unsanitary conditions
- Over-sedation
- Abandonment
- Substandard medical care
- Poor personal hygiene
- Poor or defective equipment
- Sexual abuse
- Depression
- Financial fraud or scams
Contact Our Florida Nursing Home Neglect And Abuse Attorneys Today
If you observe any of these signs of abuse, or other conditions that you find disturbing, it’s possible that your loved one is suffering nursing home abuse or neglect. It’s important to take action on your concerns.
Contact Philip DeBerard, Injury Attorney, today so we can begin helping with your Florida nursing home neglect or abuse claim. From Stuart, Okeechobee, Port St. Lucie, Palm Beach, Vero Beach, or anywhere in South Florida, you can reach us at (888) 649-6092, or use our online form. We always offer a free consultation to discuss your case.
