May 2, 2016

Florida Nursing Home Privacy Laws

In order to protect the rights of residents, it is important for nursing home residents and their loved ones to be well-versed on Florida nursing home privacy laws. Florida law provides each resident with a basic set of rights by which nursing home facilities and employees are required to respect. Resident rights include certain privacy protections for residents, such as the right to communicate privately and maintain living privacy unless medically unadvised. In some cases, nursing home resident rights are violated without knowledge of the resident or family members. Personal Privacy Residents are entitled to privacy regarding treatment and personal […]
March 26, 2016

What is Alzheimer’s?

Alzheimer’s, also commonly known as Alzheimer’s disease, is a condition that destroys brain function. Alzheimer’s worsens as time goes on, making daily tasks increasingly difficult. After an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, it is recommended that the patient live with someone capable of assisting with daily tasks. Causes of Alzheimer’s Scientists and physicians are not yet sure exactly what causes Alzheimer’s. However, a combination of lifestyle, genetic, and environmental factors may increase the risk for developing Alzheimer’s. Research is ongoing into the factors that are commonly linked to development of Alzheimer’s in the hopes that these links will assist in early detection and […]
May 2, 2014

Florida Senate Passes New Nursing Home Lawsuit Bill

In April 2014, the Florida Senate passed Senate Bill 670 (SB 670), which discusses Florida nursing home lawsuits. Under SB 670, nursing home lawsuits may no longer involve facility investors or other individuals and entities that are not directly involved in the operation of the nursing home against which the lawsuit is filed. In order to be brought to the governor, the bill must be passed on the Florida House of Representatives. SB 670 Goals SB 670 essentially acts to protect investors and other individuals who fund nursing homes but do not necessarily play a role in daily functioning. By […]
May 2, 2014

Tips for Choosing a Nursing Home

Choosing a nursing home can be a difficult decision. Before making a selection, potential residents and their families should conduct research and assessments of potential facilities to ensure that the chosen facility will be the right fit. Potential residents and their loved ones are encouraged to visit several nursing homes before making a decision. Understand Needs Before selecting a nursing home, it is important to consider the unique needs of the elderly person. Does he or she have any health conditions that require specialized attention? Types and levels of care may vary between nursing homes, and it should never be […]
March 26, 2014

Coping with Nursing Home Abuse

Coping with nursing home abuse can be difficult for residents as well as their loved ones. When nursing home abuse is first suspected, families and loved ones should take immediate action to attempt to stop the abuse. This may come in the form of filing a complaint, filing a lawsuit, or relocating the resident to another facility, among other actions. Once the resident is out of danger and safe from further abuse, the healing process can begin for the resident and his or her loved ones. In addition to physical wounds that may have been experienced during the ordeal, residents […]
March 26, 2014

Family Issues May Lead to Elder Abuse

Family issues may be a contributing cause of elder abuse. About 90 percent of elder abuse happens in residential settings, as opposed to the commonly held belief that elder abuse is more prevalent in nursing homes. In many cases of elder abuse it is adult children of the patient or other family members that are committing the abuse. Family Issues and Stress When an elderly family member is diagnosed with a debilitating condition or is no longer able to perform daily tasks alone, it can be stressful for family members. Family members may have to alter work schedules, quit jobs, […]
November 5, 2013

Proper Elder Care

Is Your Loved One Receiving The Care That He Or She Deserves? Your loved ones deserve to be taken care of in their old age. Whether you do it yourself or put your parents or grandparents into a care home, you need to make sure that they are being fed properly, being tended to properly and have enough to do during the day. While you can’t be with your elderly family or friends all day, how can you make sure that they are being treated properly? Start With A Regular Visit The first thing that you need to do is […]
October 1, 2013

Investigating Nursing Home Abuse

Despite federal and state attempts to regulate care, nursing home abuse remains an important issue. The Special Investigations Division of the House Government Reform Committee found that roughly 30 percent of U.S. nursing homes were cited for abuse instances. From January 1999 to January 2001, more than 5,000 facilities were cited for nearly 9,000 instances of abuse. Families of nursing home residents should be aware of the state of their loved ones while under the care of a nursing facility. In many cases, a resident’s family is the only impetus for investigating nursing home abuse. If nursing home abuse is […]
August 15, 2013

Improper Care is Abuse – Improper Care is Negligent

Guest Post from Sydney Russell at CertifiedCare Q: What Can We Do to Prevent Elder Abuse? A: Demand that our loved ones be cared for by educated and certified caregivers. Q:  Is it better to trust your untrained family member to care for your loved one? Of course most family members decide to care of their loved one because they love them and want to aid them but they can be abusing their elder and not even know it. Improper care is abuse. Improper care is negligent. Improper care is not fair to the family caregiver or the elder. This is why it […]
August 13, 2013

Nursing Home Abuse Videos from Paul C. Perkins Jr.

Just wanted to share our brand new Nursing Home Abuse Video Center with all of our visitors today. Attorney Paul C. Perkins Jr. helps answer a lot of the common questions a lot of our visitors are seeking answers to. Understanding the basics of nursing home abuse are very important for those who believe they may know loved ones who have been neglected in homes or assisted living facilities. Mr. Perkins covers topics ranging from Sepsis to Bedsores. Understanding the abuse injuries is key to understanding whether or not your loved one has been abused or neglected. Some injuries are […]