Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect
Are you or a loved one a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect? The five types of Abuse and Neglect are:
1) Physical Abuse
2) Emotional Abuse
3) Sexual Abuse
4) Financial Abuse
5) Neglect
Florida Law defines elder abuse as an intentional infliction of physical or psychological injury upon an elderly person or disabled adult. Neglect is defined as a caregiver’s failure or omission to provide an elderly person or disabled adult with the care, supervision, and services necessary to maintain the elderly person’s or disabled adult’s physical and mental health, including, but not limited to, food, nutrition, clothing, shelter, supervision, medicine, and medical services that a prudent person would consider essential for the well-being of the elderly person or disabled adult. Failure by a caregiver to provide an elder’s basic needs or protect them from harm is abuse and neglect.
It is common for the elderly to suffer neglect and/or abuse while being cared for in long term care facilities such as skilled nursing or assisted living facilities. Unfortunately, a lot goes unnoticed and undocumented as many elders who are being abused or neglected are reluctant to report this activity because of fear of retaliation or lack of mental/physical ability.
As a loved on of someone in a nursing home, you can keep an eye out for signs of neglect and abuse. Physical signs of abuse may include cuts, puncture wounds, burns, bruises, welts, dehydration or malnutrition, poor coloration, sunken eyes or cheeks, soiled clothing or bed, or lack of necessities such as food, water or utilities. Emotional signs of abuse may include fear, anxiety, agitation, anger, isolation, withdrawal, depression, non-responsiveness, resignation, ambivalence, contradictory statements, implausible stories, hesitation to talk openly, confusion or disorientation.
Common Contributors to Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect:
Understaffing
Inadequate Training
Neglegent Hiring
Third Party Responsiblity Claim
Breach of Statuatory or Regulatory Rights