Abuse of the Elderly

Those with elderly parents or relatives face difficult decisions with regard to the care of their loved ones. As our population ages, more Americans find themselves in need of the services of a nursing home or assisted living facility. There are currently more than 30 million Americans over the age of 65 in the United States today, and between one and two million persons are in the care of nursing homes at any given time.

The elderly in the care of nursing homes and assisted living facilities depend on others to meet their basic daily needs, including medical care, feeding, hygiene, physical therapy, and supervision. Unfortunately, as the demand for elderly care grows, the burden on our medical system is increasing at rapid pace. Demands on these care facilities can result in negative consequences for their residents and patients. Some care providers attempt to meet the added demands without maintaining their quality of service. Employees are often inexperienced, overworked, or under-qualified to provide the minimum standard of care to all residents.

Too many residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities suffer from some sort of abuse or neglect. Neglect is the most common form of mistreatment. Results of neglect include malnourishment, dehydration, and bed sores. Physical and psychological abuses are the second most frequent form of mistreatment of the elderly. The victim's deteriorating physical and mental health is often such that defending or reporting instances of abuse or neglect can seem difficult or impossible.

The State of Florida established Chapter 400 under the 2003 Florida Statutes, Title XXIX, Public Health in order to protect the health and safety of elderly citizens in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Additionally, the Florida Department of Health and Human Standards established the Nursing Home Watch List to monitor those facilities that violate the State's rules for the care of their residents.

If you believe a family member or loved one has died or suffered injuries due to abuse or neglect in a nursing home or assisted living facility, seek the counsel of an attorney. The Wilbur Smith Law Firm will evaluate your case free of charge. To have an attorney with our firm evaluate your case, please call (239) 334-7696 or contact the firm online.