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Nursing Home Abuse / Neglect Questions

How common is nursing home abuse or neglect?
According to the National Center on Elder Abuse more than 30% of all nursing homes in the United States are involved in some form of resident abuse, and more than 50% of nursing homes and assisted care facilities are short staffed, with the existing staff being overburdened.

What are common examples of nursing home abuse?

• Ulcers or open wounds (including pressure sores, bed sores, ulcers and infections)
• Medication errors
• Sub-standard care (inadequate supervision)
• Slip & falls (fractures, spine or brain injuries)
• Claims resulting from dehydration, malnourishment, weight loss or other inadequate nutrition issues
• Verbal, emotional or psychological abuse
• Physical or sexual abuse

Should nursing homes have written policies and procedures on dealing with resident care and addressing injuries and abuse?
Yes. If a nursing home is licensed, it should have written policies and its staff is required to be familiar with the written policies. You have a right to ask for the copies of these written procedures.

What do I do if I think a family member or loved one is being neglected or abused in a nursing home?
Florida Law requires that any person who knows, or has reasonable cause to suspect, that a vulnerable adult has been or is being abused, neglected, or exploited shall immediately report such knowledge or suspicion to the Florida Abuse Hotline on the toll-free telephone number, 1-800-96-ABUSE (1-800-962-2873). The TDD (Telephone Device for the Deaf) number for reporting adult abuse is 1-800-955-8770. Vulnerable adults are persons eighteen and over (including senior adults sixty and over) who, because of their age or disability, may be unable to adequately provide for their own care or protection. The Florida Abuse Hotline accepts calls 24 hours per day, seven days a week. The Abuse Hotline counselor is required to let the person calling know whether the information provided has been accepted as a report for investigation.

What information will the Florida Abuse Hotline need?
When you call the Abuse Hotline to make a report, have this information ready:

• Victim's name, address or location, approximate age, race, and sex.
• A brief description of the adult victim's disability or infirmity.
• Signs or indications of harm or injury, including a physical description if possible.
• Name, address, and telephone number of any possibly responsible person/ perpetrator.
• Relationship of the possibly responsible person/perpetrator to the victim, if possible. If the relationship is unknown, a report may still meet requirements for investigation.
• As the reporter, your name, address, and telephone number. This information is never given out. The reporter may choose to remain anonymous.

Who regulates nursing homes?
Nursing homes are regulated by the Federal government and The State of Florida. Inspections are typically handled by the State of Florida but the Federal government may impose fines and penalties based on state inspections.

Florida law provides a Bill of Rights for nursing home, long-term care and assisted living residents.

How do you find a nursing home or long-term care facilities rating?
To find out how your nursing home, long-term care facility or assisted living facility rates, visit the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration.

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