Fort Lauderdale Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer
With an aging population, more and more Floridians will seek accommodation in nursing homes and retirement centers. Today, 14.1 percent of the U.S. population is 65 years or older, and that percentage is on track to be 21.7 by 2040. One of the criteria upon which a nation is judged is by the way it treats its elderly. While there are many nursing homes in the Fort Lauderdale area that treat their residents with compassion and respect, unfortunately nursing home abuse and neglect is something that happens to thousands of people around the country. The majority of elder abuse is not reported, as family members are most often the ones that cause the problems. The elderly victim, not wanting to get their friends or family members in trouble, will simply keep quiet even as the abuse worsens. Similarly, abuse in nursing homes is seldom reported because the victim is not confident in their mental or physical capacity to report the issue. They may also fear retaliation.
There are few subjects more difficult to discuss than elder abuse. We want to see the best in the places in which our loved ones take up residence. As the transition to a nursing home from independent living is difficult enough as it is, the idea that our parents and grandparents might have to deal with abuse and neglect is sometimes a simply unbearable idea. Most of us choose to think of caregivers as loving and respectful professionals. While the facilities may appear clean, inviting, and friendly, what they may be hiding is an abusive staff or staff members who take advantage of the elderly they once agreed to help and serve. Contact our Fort Lauderdale nursing home abuse lawyers today.
The Rights of Fort Lauderdale Nursing Home Residents
Every nursing home resident has a right to make their own decisions, as stated in Florida law. As such, all nursing homes must publicly display this right, educate their staff of the right, and inform all of their residents of this right as well.
Some Fort Lauderdale nursing homes neglect the best interest of their residents and do not afford them even this basic of human rights: to make decisions for themselves. Listed below are types of nursing home abuse and neglect:
- Physical abuse;
- Sexual abuse;
- Denial of food and water;
- Denial of adequate shelter and other comforts; and
- Stealing from the resident.
In the event that your loved one has been mistreated or you suspect neglect, it is important to talk to a Fort Lauderdale nursing home lawyer as soon as possible to discuss taking legal action.
Take Immediate Action if Your Loved One Has Been Abused or Neglected at a Nursing Home
The types of abuse inflicted at nursing homes are varied. For specific examples, physical abuse, sexual abuse, prescription medication errors, neglect, and providing unsanitary facilities all fall under the category of abuse and neglect. If your loved one has been abused or neglected in any way, take action by contacting a Fort Lauderdale nursing home abuse and neglect lawyer to discuss your legal options. Our Fort Lauderdale nursing home abuse lawyers at the Pendas Law Firm are prepared to assist you today.
