Due to Florida’s warm weather we have the highest concentration of geriatric population in the country. As a result, Florida has more nursing homes than almost any other state in the country. Nursing home abuse and neglect can take a variety of different forms. Medical malpractice and negligent care are common in homes for the elderly. Physical abuse, mental abuse, sexual abuse, and financial exploitation are a few of the serious crimes that are sometimes committed against senior citizens.
If you have a parent, aunt, uncle, or grandparent who lives in a nursing home or assisted living facility, the thought of this type of treatment is horrifying.
Elder abuse is especially concerning to the state of Florida. Consequently, Chapter 400 was created to provide the elderly a mechanism by which they could file a civil action against those who perpetrate abuse and neglect against them. In addition, Florida has its own Department of Elder Affairs and an Elder Abuse Hotline that are intended to address this very serious problem.
The elderly frequently fail to report cases of physical or sexual abuse. Victims of any age often fail to report wrongdoing because they feel a sense of shame or helplessness. Thus, it is imperative that friends and loved ones of elderly people recognize some of the common indicators of elder abuse.
The signs of nursing home abuse and neglect can be subtle. If your elderly relative or friend has experienced one of the following, he or she may be the victim of neglect or abuse:
Dehydration
Malnutrition
Pressure sores
Wandering resulting in injuries or death
Unexplained injuries
Frequent falls
Fractured bones
Death
An abrupt change in personality or demeanor could also be the result of mental abuse or neglect by the nursing home staff.
If you suspect that an elderly loved one has been abused or neglected in a nursing home or assisted living facility, call the Law offices of Jorge L. Flores, P.A. Legal action could help stop a facility’s abusive practices, and your loved one may be entitled to compensation for his injury. If your family member actually died as a direct result of the abuse or neglect, you could be entitled to compensation.