nursing home abuse

How to Report Nursing Home Abuse in Florida

Published on: February 3, 2023 | by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

If you observe nursing home abuse in a Florida assisted living facility, one of the first things on your mind is notifying the proper authorities and getting officials to take appropriate action. Every US state has a procedure for reporting misconduct, and the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) is tasked with processing complaints in Florida. You can call to speak to a representative and be prepared to provide all relevant details. Alternatively, you can file a form online and include a description of your concerns. The Complaint Administration Unit will conduct an investigation and determine how to proceed, possibly requesting additional information from you.

However, even the most outrageous forms of nursing home abuse may only lead to criminal penalties and/or fines paid to the government. You will need to pursue civil remedies to recover damages, so your main priority after filing an AHCA report is retaining a Miami nursing home abuse lawyer. There are also a few additional tasks to keep in mind.

Next Steps After Reporting Nursing Home Misconduct

What is the Difference Between Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect?

Published on: August 5, 2022 | by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

In truth, when you see a loved one suffering in an assisted living facility, the difference between the two may not seem critical. All you want is to get the resident to safety. However, the National Council on Aging (NCOA) clarifies nursing home abuse versus neglect in reporting a disturbing statistic: Up to 5 million elderly individuals are abused every year, and passive neglect is a form of abuse. With both types of mistreatment, the harm to the resident can be severe. Physical injuries are common, and NCOA points out that the problem carries emotional consequences as well.

Aside from tracking statistics, the distinction between nursing home abuse and neglect is an important one from a legal standpoint. The concepts may affect the basis of a claim when seeking damages, as well as who you can pursue for compensation. A Miami nursing home abuse and neglect attorney can explain the implications for your case, and some information on the differences is useful.

Comparing Abuse v. Neglect in Nursing Homes

Stages of Bedsores Among Miami Nursing Home Residents

Published on: February 18, 2022 | by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

When you trust a Miami nursing home to provide for the health and safety of residents, it is horrifying to find out that your loved one developed bedsores because of misconduct. Statistics from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shed some light on the severity of the problem:

Anywhere from 2% to 28% of residents in assisted living facilities have developed bedsores, also termed pressure ulcers.
Individuals living in a nursing home for less than 12 months were more likely to develop these wounds than those with longer stays.

Florida Nursing Home Abuse: Signs Family Members Cannot Ignore

Published on: October 8, 2021 | by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

It is horrifying to learn that the assisted living facility that you carefully researched, paid, and trusted to care for an elderly loved one has shirked its legal obligations. Nursing homes have a duty to provide proper care, but statistics indicate that many fall short. Data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals that around one in 10 individuals aged 60 years and older has experienced some form of elder abuse, though the true figures are likely much higher because of reporting issues. Experts estimate that just one in 24 instances of misconduct are communicated to authorities. The nature of elder care in assisted living centers typically puts family members in the position to raise concerns about the resident, who may suffer from dementia, mental decline, or related medical conditions. It is critical to contact a Miami nursing home abuse lawyer right away if you spot the following signs of nursing home abuse that you cannot ignore.

Physical Abuse

Some types of bodily harm are visible, so you are right to be disturbed if you notice bruises, abrasions, or lacerations. Still, you must remain vigilant regarding the less obvious signs of physical abuse in assisted living facilities, such as: