Do I Have a Medical Malpractice Claim in Florida?
Caring for an elderly family member can be emotionally and physically demanding, and there are times when providing the level of care they need at home is simply not possible. In those situations, families may make the difficult decision to place a loved one in a nursing home in hopes that they will receive attentive and professional care. Sadly, this trust is sometimes misplaced. Instead of being treated with dignity and respect, some residents experience abuse or neglect at the hands of staff.
If this reflects your situation, the following blog explains what nursing home neglect involves, the warning signs families should watch for, and the steps you can take, with guidance from an Indian River County nursing home abuse lawyer, to address these deeply troubling circumstances.
Neglect occurs when a nursing home fails to provide adequate care. Nursing home neglect can arise when the facility and caregivers fail to meet their residents’ basic needs like food, water, and hygiene, fail to properly monitor resident safety (whether this relates to fall risk or dementia-related risks), or fail to follow a turning protocol for mobility-impaired residents (which can lead to preventable bedsores). Neglect can also take the form of delayed care, like failing to timely administer medication or to monitor a resident’s known medical conditions.
Abuse, on the other hand, involves the intentional infliction of harm, such as hitting, slapping, kicking, or restraining nursing home residents. In rare instances, nursing home staff have been accused of withholding medication as a form of abuse.
Neglect and abuse are often the result of understaffing, a prolific problem in an industry often funded by private equity and motivated by profits. When a nursing home fails to employ an adequate number of workers, staff may cut corners or take their stress and frustration out on the patients. Additionally, if the facility fails to properly train and educate staff on how to provide the best possible care, neglect and abuse can occur.
Unfortunately, nursing home abuse can come in a variety of forms, like neglect and physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. As such, understanding the signs can help you take immediate action if you believe your loved one is or may be a victim. The following are some of the most common signs of abuse or neglect:
It’s important to understand that you have the right to seek explanations for injuries suffered by your loved one while in the care and supervision of nursing home staff.
If you believe your loved one is suffering from abuse or neglect in their nursing home, it’s critical to take the necessary steps to protect them. Generally, you should report the conditions to the facility manager and take as many photos and videos of the conditions as possible. You should also obtain copies of their medical records.
Next, you should report the suspected abuse or neglect to the Florida Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, which will conduct an investigation into the conditions.
Finally, you should connect with an experienced attorney with Ullian Trial Law. We understand how difficult these matters can be to navigate, which is why we will fight for the best possible outcome for you and your loved one. Connect with us today to learn more.
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