June 21, 2010 – Florida – It is estimated that more than 1 in 10 seniors living in the United States has experienced some form of elder abuse or nursing home abuse. This statistic hits close to home for Floridians, as our state is a primary or secondary residence for a large population of senior citizens.
June is Elder Abuse Awareness month and the Centers for Disease Control report that more than 500,000 adults older than 60 years will suffer some form of elder abuse or neglect this year.
The most common types of elder abuse or nursing home abuse reported in the United States and throughout Florida include:
- Physical abuse (hitting, use of unnecessary restraints, and so on.);
- Neglect (failure to provide adequate food or water, leaving the victim in soiled linens, and so on.);
- Emotional abuse (screaming at the victim, making threats, and so on);
- Abandonment;
- Sexual abuse; and
- Financial abuse.
In a professional facility where medical personnel and other attending staff are responsible for an older adult’s care, there may be situations where the adult is overmedicated or given unnecessary drugs (such as anti-psychotics) in order to render them more docile.
This is especially common in nursing homes that are understaffed or have poorly trained and managed staff. In these less-than-ideal situations, employees may resort to abusive measures in order to control “unruly” patients. This form of nursing home abuse can lead to serious illness or even death.
The abuse of an older adult is an especially egregious breach of ethics and the law. Your loved one should not be made to suffer in their twilight years and Florida nursing home abuse is an inexcusable violation of patient trust and public health. A Florida nursing home abuse lawyer at Lilly, O’Toole & Brown can help you and your aging loved one to bring the abuser to justice and fight for the necessary compensation to address the resultant injuries. Contact our firm today to schedule your consultation; 863-533-5525.
