Nursing Home Abuse/Negligence
What to Look For, Common Signs of Elder Abuse and Neglect:
Physical Abuse
While some conditions do occur based upon your loved one’s medical conditions, if you notice any unexplained open wounds, cuts, bruises, welts, discoloration, or broken bones and the facility has not documented how it happened, that could be a sign of abuse. You should take steps to document the abuse with photographs.
Neglect
If you notice your loved one losing weight, acting confused and disoriented or becoming listless, he or she may not be getting the nourishment and food needed to maintain good health. There are many complications that can arise from neglect, including open sores, active infections, and disorientation, which can lead to falls and broken bones.
What to Do When You Suspect Abuse or Neglect :
1) Contact the administration of the Florida facility in writing and insist on a written plan of correction as to how they will investigate and rectify the problem.
2) If you do not get any response from the Florida facility regarding your suspicions, you should contact the Agency for Healthcare Administration to file a Florida elder abuse complaint.
3) You should also contact the Florida Ombudsman. The Florida Ombudsman serves as a resident advocate and supports Florida residents' highest possible quality of life. The Florida Ombudsman is also responsible for investigating Florida elder abuse complaints and attempting to resolve concerns of Florida elder abuse made by, or on behalf of, Florida residents.
Listed below are resources in Florida that can help you ensure you or elders in your care remain free from Florida elder abuse:
Agency for Health Care Administration
The web site of the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration, which licenses and regulates hospitals, nursing homes and other health care facilities.
Department of Elder Affairs (DOEA)
DOEA is dedicated to exploring innovative ways to meet the challenge of managing the Florida aging population.
Florida Health Stat
The Florida e-health portal. Provides easy access to data and reports on Florida health care providers.
Hardaway Turnbull Law Firm
If you suspect someone you love is the victim of elder abuse, call us at 863-533-0000 or click here to have a Florida elder abuse attorney contact you.
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