Due to the abundance of sunny weather, theme parks, beach resorts, and golf courses, millions of seniors decide to spend their retirement years in Orlando and Melbourne of Central Florida. However, this state is not always an ideal destination due to the many claims of elder abuse. According to the World Health Organization, about 1 in 6 individuals 60 years and older experienced a form of abuse in the past year. Even more frightening, 2 out of 3 staff members in nursing homes and long-term facilities have reported committing abuse.
Senior citizens depend on excellent care for their general health and well-being. A resident who is suffering from abuse is in danger of injury or death due to lack of proper food, water, shelter, and medication that a caregiver is obligated to provide. If you suspect a family member has been abused while staying in a long-term care facility in Orlando, the law offices of David R. Heil, PA is ready to assist you. Learn more about the forms of elder abuse in Central Florida below.
Forms of Elder Abuse in Orlando
Many signs of elder abuse are, unfortunately, difficult to identify because seniors are not physically or mentally capable of defending themselves or they are too afraid to speak up. Here are some common types of abuse to look out for.
- Negligent or insufficient hiring: nursing homes are required to hire a certain number of qualified personnel who have all been subjected to a proper background check.
- Physical abuse: this includes, but is not limited to, inappropriate physical contact as well as the use of restraints to keep seniors from standing, moving, or leaving their room.
- Emotional abuse: seniors may experience verbal threats, insults, manipulation, or forced isolation from other residents.
- Financial abuse: a facility employee may try to use a resident’s finances for their own benefit, such as cashing checks without consent or tricking them into signing a will or contract.
- Neglect: the failure to provide the essential needs of a senior in their facility, such as lack of medical treatment or assisting with personal hygiene.
Signs of elder abuse exhibit themselves in a number of ways, such as unexplained withdrawal, anxiety, depression, or mood swings. To learn more about the effects of elder abuse, family members may visit the National Institute on Aging from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Contact Orlando Elder Abuse Attorneys
If a care facility or its employees have acted in an abusive way toward you or a close family member in Orlando or Central Florida, it’s essential to take action immediately. Attorney David Heil will stand by your side and hold facilities responsible for their actions toward your loved one. Mr. Heil can help you report the abuse to the right authorities and investigate all information related to the events. The nursing home or care facility may be responsible for any medical bills, pain and suffering, or disability. Contact attorney David R. Heil today to learn more about his years of experience fighting for nursing home abuse victims in Orlando, Deland, Winter Park and Melbourne, Florida.
