report any suspected abuse of an elderly patient in florida

Full Answer

Who do I call to report an elderly abuse?

You may also want to visit:

• National domestic violence hotline
• Violence against women network
• Aging and Disability

Who should you call to report elder abuse?

• If you suspect that the elder is in immediate and potentially life-threatening danger then you should call the police or 911.
• If you suspect elder abuse but do not believe that it is life threatening, you can call the Eldercare Locator by phone at 1-800-677-1116. ...
• If you are living outside of the U.S., some elder abuse help lines in non-U.S. ...

How do you report abuse of the elderly?

• State Department of Human Services
• Office of the district attorney in the county in which the suspected abuse occurred
• Your local municipal police department or sheriff’s department

How to identify and report elder abuse?

Reach out to an elder abuse hotline.

• Aging and Disability Resource Centers: 1-866-286-3636 (toll free)
• Apprise: 1-800-783-7067 (toll free)
• Children of Aging Parents: 1-800-227-7294 (toll free)

Why can't I report abuse in Florida?

Sometimes, a report cannot be taken by the Florida Abuse Hotline because it does not involve an allegation of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a child or a vulnerable adult by their caregiver.

How to contact Florida abuse hotline?

If you know or suspect that a person with a developmental disability is being abused, neglected, or exploited by a relative, caregiver, or household member then you should do the following immediately: Call the Florida Abuse Hotline, which is a nationwide, toll-free telephone number, at 1-800-96-ABUSE (1-800-962-2873), ...

Why do people with disabilities choose to remain in harmful situations?

There are also economic issues to consider as well in understanding why some individuals with disabilities choose to remain in harmful situations. Unemployment, low wages, and poverty compound the problem of violence and abuse for all people, including people with disabilities.

What happens if a victim refuses to be interviewed by a protective investigator?

If access to the alleged victim is refused to the protective investigator, law enforcement may be called to assist. Once access is gained, the investigator will interview those involved, evaluate the information obtained, and make a decision as to whether the reported allegations did or did not occur.

What happens if you don't report abuse?

If you are a service provider, failure to report known or suspected abuse can also cause you to lose your job and/or face possible legal action. When in doubt, report it; it is always better to make a mistake on the side of caution.

Who is required to report a person with a developmental disability?

Any person who knows, or has reasonable cause to suspect, that a person with a developmental disability is being abused, neglected, or exploited by a relative, caregiver, or household member or, in the case of self-neglect, by themselves, is required to report such knowledge or suspicion to the Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-96-ABUSE (or 1-800-962-2873 ).

Who should report abuse, neglect, or exploitation?

Direct service providers should report knowledge or suspicion of abuse, neglect, or exploitation to their supervisors who may be required to report this information to the local APD office (in accordance with established APD reporting procedures).

Florida Probate and Trust Litigation Blog - What to Do if You Suspect Elder Abuse or Exploitation

Because our firm handles litigation involving the financial exploitation of our vulnerable elderly population, it is suprising to learn that many people do not what to do when they suspect exploitation. Often, they wait too long before the money is long gone, the accounts are changed, deeds are transferred, and the exploiters have left.

Contact Us

PersanteZuroweste is a Clearwater, Florida law firm that handles elder abuse and exploitation lawsuits throughout Florida. If you believe that you may need legal assistance regarding a Florida fiduciary litigation matter, please contact us at (727) 796-7666.

About PersanteZuroweste

PersanteZuroweste has established a reputation as prominent trial lawyers serving clients throughout Florida. Our office is conveniently located to the Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and Tampa Bay communities.

What steps to take when reporting the abuse or neglect of a senior in nursing home

Entrusting the care of a family member to a nursing home can be unnerving. Unfortunately, the general mistrust in nursing home facilities is not entirely unfounded. From 2013 to 2017, the number of nursing home abuse cases rose by nearly 11 percent nationwide.

Florida nursing home abuse reporting requirements

Family members should remain actively involved with their relatives who require nursing home care. Observation is key to detecting and reporting nursing home misconduct, neglect and abuse as early as possible.

Immunity for nursing home abuse reporters

Florida’s legislature recognizes that, in some instances, reporting elder abuse may implicate the reporter in criminal activity. For example, someone who witnesses evidence of elder abuse while breaking into a nursing home to steal prescription drugs would inherently reveal his unlawful entry into the property at the time of his observation.

How to report nursing home abuse in Florida

The state of Florida has outlined specific ways to report nursing home abuse or neglect.

When to contact a Florida nursing home & elder abuse attorney

Reporting elder abuse to the state is only the first step. If your loved one has experienced abuse in a nursing home, civil remedies may also be available. Victims of elder abuse may be entitled to compensation for medical treatment, recovery of lost finances and possibly for intangible damages such as pain and suffering.

The Warning Signs of Elder Abuse

Your loved one could experience neglect and abuse in various settings, including a nursing home, assisted living facility, or at home. Unfortunately, elder abuse can be tough to spot, especially if a senior is unwilling or unable to talk about the abuse.

Types of Elder Abuse

Unfortunately, elder abuse is a common problem in the U.S. Figures from the National Council on Aging (NCOA) suggest that one in ten Americans aged 60 and over experienced some form of abuse and neglect. These figures could be just the tip of the iceberg.

Do You Have an Elder Abuse Case?

Elder abuse, by definition, is a crime in Florida. Whether your loved one suffered unlawful abuse in a nursing home or elsewhere, you could have legal recourse and potentially qualify for compensation.

Nursing Home Abuse

According to The Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987, 42 U.S. Code § 1395i–3, nursing homes must care for residents in such a way that promotes their “maintenance or enhancement of the quality of life.” If your loved one suffered egregious abuse in their nursing home, you could hold the facility accountable.

Assisted Living Facility Abuse

Florida law does not regulate assisted living facilities as tightly as nursing homes. However, a facility could be liable for damages if your relative experienced abuse or neglect. While assisted living facility residents do not need around-the-clock care, unlike nursing home residents, they still require assistance with daily tasks.

Home Health Aide Abuse

Home health aides offer in-home care to the elderly and disabled. They usually work through a home health agency. In Florida, in-home caregivers do not require a certification or license. Moreover, home health agencies may fail to background-check or train their aides adequately before sending them into their clients’ homes.

FAQs

If the abuse or neglect is still happening, make sure to move your loved one to a safe place immediately and report the abuse to nursing home management and law enforcement. You should also seek medical advice to ensure your loved one is getting the help they need.