AARP Florida Speak Out Against Lower Staffing Standards in Our State’s Nursing Homes
According to a report from NBC WESH 2, AARP Florida is officially speaking against lower staffing levels and lower staffing standards in nursing homes. The organization says that staffing issues are resulting in reduced quality of care and greater risks to nursing home residents. Here, our Miami nursing negligence lawyers highlight the concerns raised by the Florida AARP and explain three key steps to take if you believe that your vulnerable loved one is at an unsafe assisted living facility.
AARP Florida: Staffing Concerns at Too Many Nursing Homes in the State
AARP Florida reports a decline in nursing home staffing standards—the organization cites the key fact that nearly 400,000 people have left the industry between 2020 and 2022. The AARP Florida warns that legislative changes and increased living costs have affected our state’s previously top ranking for nursing home care. A recent study found that nursing home patients in Florida are getting less and less one-on-one attention. It is a worrying trend. Notably, there is a significant correlation between higher quality care and more time spent between patients and caregivers.
Three Steps to Take If You Believe Your Vulnerable Loved One is at an Unsafe Nursing Home
Do you believe that your elderly parent or vulnerable loved one is unsafe at their current nursing home or assisted living center? It is imperative that you take swift action. Here are three key steps to take to address suspected nursing home abuse or neglect in Florida:
- Proactively Protect their Safety: : Your loved one’s safety should be paramount. Frequent visits and active communication can help ensure this. During visits, assess the cleanliness of their surroundings, their hygiene, and general mood. Look for unexplained bruises, weight loss, or changes in behavior. With nursing home issues, it is always best to play it safe.
- Document Everything: Maintain a detailed record of anything concerning. This can include photographic evidence of physical injuries or unhealthy living conditions, and notes about verbal reports or behavioral changes. Write down dates, times, and the names of the staff involved. This documentation serves as a crucial tool in demonstrating ongoing problems and can be extremely useful if legal action becomes necessary.
- Report the Issue: If you believe your loved one is at risk, you have the right to report the problem to Florida regulators. Any issues at nursing homes can be reported directly to the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration, either by 1-888-419-3456 or online.
Contact Our Miami, FL Nursing Home Negligence Attorneys Today
At Pike & Lustig, LLP, our Miami nursing home abuse & neglect attorneys are passionate, justice-focused advocates for vulnerable residents. If you or a loved one suffered harm as a consequence of the inadequate staffing or other improper practices of an assisted living facility, we are ready to help. Contact our law firm today for your free, confidential consultation. Our firm handles nursing home cases in Miami-Dade County and throughout South Florida.
Source:
wesh.com/article/aarp-florida-nursing-home-standards/43234302
