Placing a relative in a facility so that they can receive the level of care they need is never an easy decision. If you have an elderly loved one who is living in an assisted living facility (ALF) or a nursing home, you may be the only one who can identify signs of and intervene if your relative is being abused or neglected.
But what should you do with the information you glean from your loved one or observe on your own? The following information might be helpful to those facing such quandaries.
Know which agencies to turn to for help
Here in Florida, the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) handles complaints against facilities charged with caring for the vulnerable elderly population. If the circumstances warrant it, relatives of residents experiencing neglect or abuse can lodge complaints by calling AHCA’s toll-free number (888) 419-3456.
You can also go online and make your report at their website.
Still seeking information?
If you want to ensure that no harm befalls your loved one in their assisted living facility or nursing home, first check out the licensure information found at FloridaHealthFinder.gov. That site can provide you with additional information about the site and facility.
Short staffing remains a major issue
Some of the alleged abusive incidents might be linked directly or indirectly to understaffing at these vital facilities. When staff are too pressed for time to complete all their duties, they can and do get frustrated with the upper management that fails to mitigate these problems.
Sometimes, that frustration gets taken out on residents. This may be especially true for those residents with dementia who get combative as the disease progresses. They can suffer spiral fractures and bruising from rough handling.
Where to direct complaints?
Again, the AHCA deals with complaints about licensed providers for the state of Florida. If your relative was neglected or abused by non-AHCA licensed health care providers, the Florida Health Care Complaint Portal is the route to go.
Please note that there may also be a path to justice by filing a claim for damages against the negligent facility and its abusive providers.
