Nursing Home Abuse FAQs
Watching loved ones age and grow dependent on assistive care can be difficult. When family members choose to put a loved one in a nursing home, they deserve to trust that they’ll receive high-quality care. Sadly, nursing home staff don’t consistently deliver the accepted standard of care.
Nursing home negligence and abuse are not uncommon. Abuse victims may suffer physical and emotional injuries. Family members who suspect nursing home abuse often have many questions. The nursing home abuse lawyers at Chanfrau & Chanfrau provide answers to nursing home abuse FAQs and give individuals in the Daytona Beach, FL, and Palm Coast, FL, areas information about their legal options.
What Is Nursing Home Abuse?
Nursing home abuse is the mistreatment of residents by staff or caregivers. Abusive behavior may be intentional or unintentional. Abuse may involve physical or emotional actions that directly affect the resident. Neglect is another form of abuse. Nursing home abuse and neglect may result in physical injuries, medical emergencies, emotional trauma, or death. Common examples of nursing home abuse include:
- Physical assault
- Sexual assault
- Verbal abuse
- Substandard medical care
- Failure to provide adequate hydration or nutrition
- Medication errors
- Unauthorized use of restraints
- Unauthorized isolation
What Are the Signs of Nursing Home Abuse?
Victims of abuse frequently fail to report the behavior. Some abuse victims are incapable of communicating their experience, and others fear retaliation. Loved ones should recognize the signs of neglect so they can take action if issues arise. Potential signs of nursing home abuse and neglect include:
- Bed sores
- Bruises, cuts, broken bones, or other unexplained injuries
- Unexplained falls
- Facility-acquired infections
- Unclean or unsanitary living conditions
- Changes in behavior (anger, agitation, frustration)
- Withdrawn demeanor around nursing home staff
- Weight loss or other signs of malnutrition or dehydration
What Are the Laws Regarding Nursing Home Abuse?
Nursing home abuse is illegal. The Resident Bill of Rights provides Florida nursing home residents with numerous rights, including:
- The right to be free from mental or physical abuse
- The right to receive adequate and appropriate healthcare and protective and support services
- The right to be treated courteously, fairly, and with the fullest measure of dignity
Federal laws also outline specific requirements that care facilities must meet to receive federal funding.
How Do I Report Nursing Home Abuse?
Family members who suspect nursing home abuse should file a formal complaint with the facility administrator or the director of nursing. Suspected abuse can also be reported to the Nursing Home Abuse Hotline at (800) 677-1116. Operators accept calls between 9:00 am and 8:00 pm Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday.
Should I Contact a Lawyer?
Anyone who believes a loved one is the victim of nursing home abuse or neglect should discuss their concerns with a lawyer. Nursing home abuse lawyers, such as those at our Daytona Beach law firm, can assist with stopping the abuse, relocating the resident to a new facility, and pursuing compensation for related damages.
Contact Our Law Firm
Navigating suspected cases of nursing home abuse can be difficult. Nursing home abuse and neglect lawyers at Chanfrau & Chanfrau can guide you through the process and help you understand your legal rights. To schedule a consultation with our lawyers, contact our law firm online or call (386) 258-7313 as soon as possible.