For many senior citizens in need of long-term medical care, assisted living is a reality. Family members forced to deal with suspected elder abuse or neglect is almost unthinkable. Family members who choose for their loved one what they think of as a professionally run nursing home cannot imagine that their father, mother, grandmother, or uncle might be harmed or neglected, or face degrading treatment of any sort. Statistics show up to 1.6 million nursing home residents face harm each year.

As the Baby Boom generation in the United States ages, the reports of abuse in licensed elder care facilities have increased at an alarming rate. The problem was brought to greater light in 2001 when Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) commissioned a report to study incidents of nursing home abuse violations nationwide. The findings were shocking and sickening: a third of over 17,000 facilities examined had been cited for elder abuse violations.

Sadly, the number of nursing home abuse and/or neglect cases is increasing as more and more nursing homes are established.

What Is Nursing Home Abuse?

Nursing home abuse cases include basic negligence, physical abuse, withholding liquids or meals, sexual abuse, unnecessary restraint, untreated medical conditions, emotional abuse, and medication errors. Residents can become disoriented and/or injured without adequate supervision. Proof of dehydration, scarring, or other injuries consistent with neglect or abuse can be vital in abuse and neglect cases.

With our year-round fair weather, the Sunshine State is a haven for retirees and elders. But sadly, finding enough qualified, compassionate people to adequately staff our nursing homes is as much if not more of a problem here in Florida as in most other states in the country. There just aren't enough qualified people to take care of our aging population. Nursing homes with untrained, unqualified staff, and facilities that are understaffed, are more likely to be places where elder abuse and neglect can and do happen.

Proving general nursing home neglect cases can be difficult, affecting the resident’s emotional well-being. The nursing home abuse attorneys of Chalik & Chalik Law Offices will perform a thorough investigation of the nursing home or facility to uncover evidence and hold the abusive or negligent staff members accountable.

Signs to Watch for If You Suspect Elder Abuse

Elder abuse takes many forms, some more obvious than others. If you have a loved one or know a senior citizen in a nursing home or other elder care facility, be aware of their physical condition and emotional state. Moderate to severe physical abuse occur, including sexual abuse that can lead to sexually transmitted diseases. But not all forms of elder abuse manifest in visible injuries. Psychological abuse occurs when elders are mistreated or neglected.

Families should be aware of these potential indicators of nursing home abuse and neglect:

• Resident seems depressed, neglected, or abandoned
• Unusual bruising or marks on the body, including bed sores
• Fractures of the wrist, hip, femur, and other bones, with suspicious causes
• Missing personal items or money (extortion is a form of elder abuse)
• Loss of appetite or change in demeanor and attitude
• Missed doses of medication or missed meals
• Resident reports being treated roughly or verbally abused

If you suspect an elderly loved one is being mistreated at a Florida nursing home facility, call Chalik & Chalik as soon as possible.

Contact the Florida nursing home abuse attorneys of Chalik & Chalik Law Offices today for your complimentary personal injury consultation.