Are you concerned about the welfare of your loved one living in a nursing home in Florida? Are you worried that they may be suffering from abuse or neglect? Sadly, nursing home abuse and neglect have become all too common, and the current nursing home staffing shortages have only worsened the situation.
DiBiaggio Law focuses on helping families whose loved ones have suffered from nursing home abuse and neglect. We understand how upsetting it can be to suspect your loved one has been abused or neglected, and we are here to help. The first step is to speak with an experienced nursing home neglect attorney who can help you understand your rights and protect your loved one’s interests. Contact the experienced team at DiBiaggio Law today at (561) 473-9800 for more information.
What Is Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect?
Nursing home abuse and neglect can take many forms. It generally includes any physical, emotional, or sexual hurt inflicted upon a nursing home resident by staff members or other residents. The abuse can also include financial exploitation, such as when someone uses the resident’s money without their permission. Unfortunately, nursing home abuse and neglect are often perpetrated by people who are supposed to provide care, making it difficult for victims to speak up.
Signs That Your Loved One Might Be Suffering from Abuse or Neglect
The first step in getting help for your loved one is recognizing the signs of nursing home abuse or neglect. Unfortunately, many families do not realize their loved ones suffer abuse or neglect until it is too late. But by knowing what to look for, you can catch nursing home neglect early on and get help before it’s too late. Here are some warning signs:
- Unsanitary Conditions: Bedsores, soiled clothing or bedding, dirty floors or bathrooms, and an overall feeling of grime are all signs that a facility is not properly cleaning its residents or keeping up with basic housekeeping tasks.
- Sudden Weight Loss: If your loved one has suddenly lost a significant amount of weight, it could be a sign that they are not getting enough food or water.
- Bruises or Other Injuries: While it’s normal for older adults to bruise easily, multiple bruises or bruises in odd places (e.g., on the face) can be a sign of abuse or neglect. Broken bones, cuts, and scrapes should also be cause for concern.
- Changes in Behavior: If your loved one suddenly seems withdrawn, depressed, or anxious—or if they start exhibiting new behavioral problems such as biting or rocking back and forth—it could be a sign that they are not being adequately cared for emotionally as well as physically.
- Isolation from Family and Friends: If the staff at the facility is preventing you from spending time with your loved one or if they seem unwilling to answer your questions about your loved one’s care, it could be a sign that they have something to hide.
If you notice any of these warning signs—or if you have any other reason to believe that your loved one is not receiving proper care—you must take immediate action. The longer you wait, the greater the risk your loved one will suffer serious harm or even death.
Steps You Can Take If You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect
If you suspect that your loved one is being abused or neglected in their nursing home, there are some steps you should take right away:
- Talk to your loved one: If they can communicate with you, they may be able to give you more information about what’s going on.
- Talk to the nurse or another staff member: Try talking to the nurse or another staff member at the nursing home. They may be able to give you more information about what’s going on with your loved one.
- Report the abuse: You can file a complaint online using the Florida Health Care Complaint Portal through the Florida Department of Health (DOH). They can conduct an investigation and potentially end the mistreatment your loved one is enduring.
- Contact a nursing home neglect attorney: Since it can take time for the Florida DOH to investigate allegations of nursing home neglect or abuse, we strongly recommend that residents and their families also consult with a nursing home neglect or personal injury attorney when they file a complaint. If your loved one needs medical care or needs to be extricated from an unsafe nursing home, our attorneys can help and can take immediate action if necessary.
DiBiaggio Law: Your Experienced Nursing Home Neglect Attorney
If you suspect your loved one is a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, an experienced nursing home neglect attorney can help investigate the facts of your case and build a strong claim for damages to get your loved one just compensation for their pain and suffering.
Contact us today at (561) 473-9800 to schedule your free consultation. We’ll answer your questions and explain your legal options. If more convenient, you can also fill out our online form here.
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The information in this blog post (post) is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information in this post should be construed as legal advice from the individual author or the law firm, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting based on any information included in or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.
DiBiaggio Law
605 Belvedere Road, Suite 17
West Palm Beach, FL 33405
(561) 473-9800
https://dibiaggiolaw.com/
