Startling Florida Nursing Home Abuse Stats
It is a sad fact that nursing home abuse and neglect is very common. Even when they are not receiving the care and support they should, residents in these facilities often do not come forward with reports of abuse. They are sometimes embarrassed or ashamed, or they may not have the mental capacity to understand that abuse is occurring. This makes it even more important for family members to watch for signs of abuse so they can report it. While no one wants to think about their loved one becoming a victim of abuse, the below stats show just how common it is in Florida.
Florida’s Nursing Homes have One of the Lowest Ranking in the Country
According to AARP’s long-term care and senior support services scorecard, Florida ranks 43rd out of the 50 states and Washington, D.C. While that seems low, Florida’s nursing home facilities have actually improved over the last few years, as the state’s ranking of 43 has improved from 51. Not that long ago, Florida’s nursing homes ranked very last in the country. This stat shows that families should not assume they are receiving the best care possible.
Understaffing is Very Common in Florida’s Nursing Homes
Understaffing is a common problem in nursing homes throughout the country. Although this was always a problem, the COVID-19 pandemic only made the matter worse. In 2021, 92 percent of facilities in Florida had significant understaffing issues. As a result, half of the nursing homes in the state were forced to reduce their admissions. If your loved one is in a nursing home, it is critical that you determine if the facility has a staffing issue.
Many Nursing Home Residents have Reported Abuse
Over 40 percent of nursing home residents have reported instances of abuse, and more than 90 percent of residents have reported that they were neglected, or that they witnessed another resident being abused. Nine in ten residents have said that they have been the victim of neglect or that they knew someone who was. Additionally, four in ten residents have said that they experienced physical, verbal, or sexual abuse while in a nursing home.
Half of Nursing Home Staff Members have Admitted to Abuse or Neglect
Some of the most shocking nursing home abuse stats come from staff members themselves, showing that the numbers are not skewed or distorted. Studies have shown that five in ten nursing home staff members have admitted to abusing or neglecting their patients. This comes in the form of denying food, not properly cleaning residents or their quarters, failing to turn immobile patients, pushing and shoving residents, and more.
Call Our Nursing Home Abuse Attorney in Tampa for Help
If you believe your loved one has suffered from abuse and neglect, you need sound legal advice. At Kohn Law, our Tampa nursing home abuse attorney can provide it and help make things right for you and your family. Call us now at 813-428-8504 or chat with us online to schedule a free consultation and to get more information.
Sources:
fhca.org/media_center/entry/florida_health_care_association_survey_92_of_florida_nursing_centers_face_staffing_challenges
ltsschoices.aarp.org/scorecard-report/2023/states/florida?state=FL
