As our parents grow older, they may need memory care or around-the-clock nursing care beyond what we can provide for them. When this occurs, many people turn to assisted living, memory care centers or nursing homes to make sure our senior loved ones receive the best care possible for their medical needs.   

For the most part, nursing homes in Florida do an exceptional job of caring for our aging loved ones. But what if you notice something amiss in your parent’s demeanor or appearance or suspect your loved one is being abused by the nursing home staff? Be sure to take the following steps if you suspect your parent is being abused in a Florida nursing home.  

What Are Florida’s Nursing Home Laws?

The first step in the right direction is to be aware of the state of Florida’s laws for nursing homes. According to Florida Statute 400.022 and the Nursing Home Reform Act, residents in Florida nursing homes must be provided a standard of care that supports both their physical and emotional health. Read the statute above for the comprehensive list of residents’ rights.   

The law also requires visits every 15 months by state auditors to nursing homes. In these visits, residents are interviewed to make sure they are being well cared for. Although there are laws in place to prevent abuse in a nursing home, it does still happen.  

What Are the Signs That My Parent is Being Abused?  

It is important for you to know the signs that someone is being abused in a nursing home. Sometimes, it can be hard to see if someone is being abused because abuse has many different forms, including physical, emotional, financial, sexual, and neglect. The following signs are an indication of abuse:   

  • Bed sores 
  • Dehydration 
  • Unexplained injuries (infections, bruises, scratches, etc.) 
  • Distress when being touched 
  • Change in behavior 

 Sadly, many of those who are abused in nursing homes feel embarrassed to tell someone about what is taking place or may not have the capacity to complain or indicate what’s happening to them. If you are concerned your loved one is being abused, it is important to call a Florida nursing home abuse or neglect attorney right away. An experienced nursing home neglect attorney from RTRLAW can advise you on the next steps to take to begin to hold the abuser responsible for what they did and to pursue justice and compensation for your loved one.  

How Does the Florida Law Handle Elder Abuse?  

Elder abuse is a felony in the state of Florida. Depending on what form of abuse happened, the case may be handled differently. In some cases, you may be able to hold the nursing home liable for your loved one’s injuries and abuse. In other criminal cases including theft, fraud or elder abuse, you may need to get the police involved in the investigation.   

Trying to figure out what to do legally to protect your parent in a nursing home can be confusing. That’s why it’s crucial to contact an attorney at RTRLAW who is experienced in nursing home abuse in Florida for legal assistance. For more information, please call us at 1-833-HIRE-RTR (1-833-447-3787) today.