)
Thousands of Americans turn 65 each day and there’s an increasing number of elderly people being cared for in nursing homes and assisted living centers. With advancements in medical treatments contributing to a longer lifespan, the number of Americans living to the age of 65 and older is projected to reach 90 million by 2050 – equating to around 20 percent of the entire population of the country.
Nursing facilities have a legal duty to provide the attention and care that family members can no longer provide. When you entrust the care of an elderly loved one to a nursing home, you have the right to expect proper supervision and care.
At Gold & Gold, we understand the severity of nursing home neglect and are dedicated to helping victims receive the compensation and justice they deserve.
Negligence In Florida Nursing Homes
Unfortunately, reports of nursing home abuse and injuries are becoming increasingly common. Nursing home and hospice care is too often provided by poorly trained staff in facilities that are not properly equipped. In many cases, nursing facilities are short on resources, making it difficult to provide the level of care patients need.
Yet, about 1,800 nursing home residents die from falls each year. Many nursing home accidents could have been prevented if the facility had proper staffing to provide the level of care required. Aside from nursing home falls, understaffed facilities can lead to other forms of neglect, including:
- Malnutrition or Dehydration
- Inadequate Personal Hygiene
- Excessive Isolation
- Medication and Prescription Errors
- Pressure Ulcers or Bed Sores
- Rapid Weight Gain or Loss
- Untimely or Inadequate Medical Care
Nursing Home Abuse
Nursing home abuse usually results from direct misconduct rather than inattention and neglect. Abuse takes many forms, but includes:
- Hitting, Kicking, or Mishandling
- Improper Restraint or Isolation
- Improper Use of Drugs
- Excessive Criticism, Humiliation, or Ridicule
- Sexual Abuse
- Failure to Prevent Suspected Abuse by Others
- Theft of Money or Unauthorized Use of Cards or Accounts
Nursing home neglect and elder abuse can be difficult to see. Many residents are hesitant to report the abuse to family members or friends, fearing the perpetrator will retaliate. Older people suffering from dementia or other mental illnesses may not be able to communicate their needs clearly.
If your elderly loved one has been a casualty of nursing home negligence in Florida, you need an experienced lawyer to fight for you. At Gold & Gold, standing up for the vulnerable elderly is a special responsibility that we take very seriously. For over 40 years, our experienced lawyers have successfully represented victims of nursing home neglect and abuse in Florida.