Basics of Choosing a Nursing Home with an Experienced Florida Nursing Home Abuse Attorney
The decision to place a loved one in a nursing home is among the most difficult you will face in your lifetime. Lately, nursing home abuse has become all but epidemic. According to research published by the National Center on Elder Abuse, Bureau of Justice Statistics, 91 percent of nursing homes lack enough stuff to care for the number of residents they house and 36 percent of nursing homes have violated against elder abuse laws.
Face the Facts
“You get what you pay for,” is a stark reality of the nursing home business; consequently, most of us are unable to afford an elite care facility. Although an exorbitant monthly fee does not guarantee there will be no problems, the price does bring a high-degree of accountability and very likely a better trained staff with a lower care provider to resident ration. However, a Florida nursing home abuse attorney will emphasize that you can be proactive in learning as much as you can about your choices.
Do Your Homework
Investigate the facility you are considering. Do they have a history of government complaints? Visit the home; do the residents seem content, well-cared for and engaging? Do you know someone who resides in a local facility? As with many services, a referral is a great way to gain first-hand knowledge and the ins and outs of a nursing home.
Consider Alternatives
Ultimately, your loved one’s physical and mental condition will for the most part dictate your options, but a nursing home may not be an absolute necessity, at least not just yet. Among the options a Florida nursing home abuse attorney can recommend includes:
An assisted living facility: Similar to a nursing home, but less restrictive, assisted care living allows the resident to have his or her own room and the ability to join in communal activities, such as dining and recreation. Many assisted living facilities also have nursing home options on the same premises, which can make a transition, if subsequently necessary, much smoother.
Board and care group homes: These living arrangements are much like assisted living but much smaller, often in a converted residential home.
Community service options: Some individuals can safely remain in their own home for an extended period of time with a little help. Meals on wheels and other senior care programs can be utilized in conjunction with a team effort by family and friends.
Contact a Florida Nursing Home Abuse Attorney for Legal Advice
Our aging elders are among the most vulnerable among us. They have the right to live their lives with dignity, respect and in safety. If you need a dedicated advocate to act on behalf of your loved one, call Peter Giroux, a Florida nursing home abuse attorney, at (727) 895-5399.