Jacksonville Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer
Florida has the highest percentage of seniors on any state, with over 19 percent of the population aged 65 or older, according to the World Atlas. This means that there is a very high number of retirement centers and assisted living homes as well. We rely on nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and in-home professional healthcare providers to offer the highest level of care for our older family members. Even though the vast majority of elder care providers are exceptionally caring, professional, and compassionate, there are those that prey on the perceived physical or mental weakness of older people. Elder abuse has many variations, including physical abuse, neglect, mental or emotional abuse, sexual abuse, and financial abuse. If you suspect an older family member is being abused, or if you have experienced the abuse yourself, contact an experienced Jacksonville nursing home abuse lawyer today to put it to an end once and for all.
The Rights of All Nursing Home and Assisted Living Residents
All older people at nursing homes or assisted living facilities have the right to make their own decisions. Furthermore, all nursing homes must publicly display this right, inform the residents of their right, and inform all staff members of that right as well. Whether the abuse or neglect is inflicted with intent or not, the following are examples of types of elder abuse caused by staff members that are never acceptable under any circumstance:
- Hitting;
- Shoving;
- Pinching;
- Sexual abuse;
- Grabbing, pulling, or forcing the older person to do something;
- Yelling or causing emotional distress;
- Belittling or treating the older person like a child;
- Not allowing visitors;
- Withholding food, water, clean bedding, clothes, or any other personal necessities; and
- Stealing or acquiring finances through fraud.
Often, the abuser feels invincible in their misdeeds. They may believe the older person is too feeble to fight back, mentally incapable of bringing the abuse to the attention of other staff members or family members, or simply too afraid to retaliate for fear of repercussions. Unfortunately, one or multiple of these reasons are true, which is why abuse is so commonplace and long-lasting. In fact, the National Center on Elder Abuse reports that between 7.6 and 10 percent of older people suffer from abuse, 90 percent of which is inflicted by family members. Moreover, only one in 14 cases of elder abuse is ever reported to the authorities. Women are more likely to be abused than men, and the older a person is, the more likely they will suffer from some form of elder abuse.
Contact our Experienced Jacksonville Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers
If you have learned that a relative of friend of yours is currently suffering or has suffered in the past from elder abuse, there may be financial compensation available, as well as severe punishment for the abusive party. Don’t hesitate to call us today at 1-844-200-0000 in order to speak with one of our Jacksonville nursing home & elder abuse lawyers at the law offices of The Pendas Law Firm to discuss your course of action.
