Alarming Nursing Home Statistics All Floridians Should Know
If your loved one requires round-the-clock care, you may have to make the difficult decision to admit them into a nursing home. There are many facilities to choose from in Florida, and it is critical that you conduct extensive research on any you are considering for your loved one’s care. Nursing home abuse and neglect is more common than people think and a quick look at the statistics shows the risks residents face. Below are some of the most alarming nursing home statistics all Floridians should know.
Florida’s Nursing Homes are Ranked Last in the Country
For the past several years, nursing homes in Florida have ranked last in the country, according to AARP Foundation’s long-term care services scorecard. The scorecard accounted for all 50 states and Washington, D.C. The scorecard provides rankings for many different categories including access and affordability, quality of life and care, support for family caregivers, and the choice of setting and provider. Although there are many good facilities in Florida that provide quality care, the state’s low ranking is troubling.
The Vast Majority of Florida Nursing Homes are Understaffed
Staff shortages are one of the most common issues in Florida, and throughout the country. This is one factor that contributes to the state’s low ranking on AARP’s scorecard. In 2021, data showed that 92 percent of Florida’s nursing homes experience staff shortages. Nearly half of the nursing homes in the state are starting to reduce the amount of admissions they accept due to understaffing, which makes it even more challenging for seniors to receive the nursing care they require.
Nursing Homes Must Provide a Minimum Amount of Direct Care
It is somewhat surprising that Florida’s nursing homes rank last in the country because state law requires more hours of direct care than any other state. In Florida, nursing home residents have the right to 3.6 hours of direct personal care per day from certified healthcare professionals. Unfortunately, not all nursing homes comply with this law, so it is important to remain vigilant.
Staff Members Have Admitted Abuse or Neglect
Nursing home abuse is so egregious, many people do not want to think it happens. They may think reports are exaggerated or embellished. However, one study shows that half of nursing home staff members have admitted to abusing or neglecting the residents in their care. The sad fact is that not only does nursing home abuse happen, but it is also much more common than people think.
Our Nursing Home Abuse Attorney in Tampa Provides Sound Legal Advice
There are many good nursing home facilities in Florida but it is a sad fact that many residents do not receive the care they need. If your loved one has been hurt while in a long-term care facility, our Tampa nursing home abuse attorney at Kohn Law can provide the sound advice and legal representation your family needs. Call us today at 813-428-8504 or chat with us online to request a consultation with our experienced attorney.
Sources:
aarp.org/caregiving/health/info-2017/states-long-term-care-scorecard-fd.html
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0400-0499/0400/Sections/0400.23.html
