Every year, there are hundreds, if not thousands, of people who are affected by nursing home abuse and neglect. Those affected include the victims directly and their loved ones.
Nursing home abuse isn’t always obvious, which can make it hard to stop it. When it is recognized, it’s important for the Agency for Health Care Administration to assert its power in regulating the nursing homes.
If the right authorities are not contacted about abuse, bad situations can result. For example, an 81-year-old woman in Gainesville, Florida, passed away after a nursing home didn’t tell doctors that she was suffering from an infection. Another facility in Sun City allowed an allegedly sexually abusive resident to stay in a facility with one of his victims.
These are a few examples of why families have to step in and make it known that they won’t back down against filing charges or claims against a nursing home. Facilities that have no fear of repercussions could continue to make mistakes and allow for neglect and hazards that harm the patients there.
A USA Today Network report showed that 32 out of 43 cases investigated during the story had not resulted in fines or penalties against the nursing home agencies, even when there was evidence of neglect or abuse found. That’s not acceptable, yet it’s something that many Florida families live in fear of having happen to their loved ones.
If your loved one is hurt in nursing care, don’t leave the future to chance. You need to assert your legal options and show that you’re willing to do what it takes to protect your loved one.
