Retirement Home Abuse Lawyers Serving Orlando, Lakeland, Tampa and Jacksonville

Nursing homes, retirement homes and assisted living facilities (ALFs) are places that we trust to the care and well-being of our loved ones. Regardless of whether it’s a short-term or long-term stay, these facilities are responsible for meeting the needs of our family. Tragically, far too often these facilities not only fail to meet these needs, but they may also abuse and neglect residents in their care. If you suspect that someone you know is the victim of mistreatment, don't hesitate to talk to retirement home abuse lawyers about your concerns. If you believe you have a nursing home abuse claim, call 1-888-BURNETTI.

Types of Abuse and Neglect in a Nursing Home

A nursing home or assisted living facility should provide a safe environment to heal and live. When residents are abused and neglected, the environment is no longer safe. Overworked staff members, poor or inadequate training, or staff member shortages at the facility are several factors that may contribute to elder mistreatment that can involve:

• Physical abuse
• Emotional and verbal abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Neglect
• Medical malpractice
• Failure to recognize, diagnose and treat medical issues in a timely manner
• Financial exploitation
• Healthcare fraud
• Failure to administer therapy and rehabilitation
• Prescription errors

Common Signs of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect

Abused or neglected victims in nursing homes, retirement homes and assisted living facilities may display physical or behavioral signs of mistreatment. Evidence of elderly abuse that some patients may exhibit includes:

• Dehydration
• Restraint pattern bruising
• Unexplained bruises
• Unusually pale complexion
• Withdrawn personality
• Malnutrition
• Broken bones
• Bed sores
• Unexplained or excessive falls
• Excessive and unexplained weight loss
• Open lacerations (cuts) or wounds
• Torn clothing or broken/missing personal items
• Poor hygiene

Additional signs that a nursing home may not be providing adequate care may include the presence of rodents, bugs or insects; lack of proper heating or cooling of the facility; and unattended patients wandering around the premises.

Nursing Home Resident’s Bill of Rights

The Federal Nursing Home Reform Act or OBRA ‘87 (Nursing Home Reform Law of 1987) are federal laws and regulations which includes mandates that all nursing homes must have written policies that describe the rights of their patients. This bill of rights must be made available to any resident who requests it, and requires the health care provider or facility to recognize patient rights, including their beliefs, practices, care, privacy, communication, visitation, treatment and well being. 

For a Free Consultation, Contact Nursing Home Negligence Attorneys Serving Orlando, Lakeland, Tampa and Jacksonville

While visiting a loved one in a nursing home, assisted living facility or retirement home, discuss their care with them. Ask if they are experiencing physical or emotional abuse from staff members, and what their living conditions are like. If you witness mistreatment, or suspect that they are victims of elder abuse or neglect, don't hesitate - contact retirement home abuse lawyers today. To schedule your free consultation, call 1-888-BURNETTI or fill out the case evaluation form.