Nursing Home Abuse: How Do You Know?

Recognizing nursing home abuse can be challenging, especially when residents are unable or unwilling to communicate their experiences. Warning signs include poor personal hygiene, unsanitary living conditions, unexplained injuries like bruises or broken bones, and sudden psychological changes such as fear or depression. Other red flags include signs of malnutrition, dehydration, or lack of mobility, which may result from staff neglect. These symptoms often point to violations of Florida residents’ legal right to live in a safe, dignified, and respectful environment.

Common signs of nursing home neglect include a resident appearing unbathed, wearing soiled clothes, or having unbrushed teeth and uncombed hair. Unsanitary room conditions or persistent odors also indicate a failure to provide the safe and comfortable environment required by law. Inadequate nutrition and hydration, bedsores, and preventable infections are often signs that staff are not attending to basic resident needs, potentially amounting to serious neglect under both federal and Florida regulations.

Yes, malnutrition and dehydration are often indicators of neglect in nursing homes. Research from the National Institutes of Health found that approximately 20 percent of nursing home residents experience malnutrition. When staff fail to monitor food and fluid intake, or do not provide adequate support during meals, it can lead to severe health consequences. Families should pay close attention to sudden weight loss, fatigue, or weakness, as these may be signs that their loved one is not receiving the necessary care.

Injuries that could signal nursing home abuse include unexplained bruises, broken bones, or signs of physical trauma. While some injuries might result from falls, repeated incidents or suspicious explanations could point to abuse. Sexual assaults have also occurred in nursing homes. Anytime a resident suffers physical harm, it’s important to investigate whether it was due to staff actions or preventable neglect, especially when residents cannot speak for themselves.

Absolutely. Psychological damage from nursing home abuse can manifest as new fears, sudden withdrawal, anxiety, or depression in residents. These emotional shifts may result from verbal abuse, neglect, isolation, or traumatic physical abuse. If a previously content or sociable resident begins acting fearful or withdrawn, families should consider the possibility of psychological harm and look further into the facility’s practices and environment.

Under Florida Statutes Chapter 429.28, nursing home residents have the legal right to “live in a safe environment, free from abuse and neglect” and “be treated with consideration and respect.” Despite these protections, abuse and neglect can still occur. When these rights are violated, residents and their families have grounds to pursue legal action against the facility to seek justice and compensation for harm suffered.

Leighton Panoff Law, led by attorney John Leighton, is a proven advocate for victims of nursing home abuse and neglect. Mr. Leighton has secured significant recoveries for families affected by mistreatment in care facilities, including filing the first lawsuit after the 14 tragic deaths at the Hollywood Hills nursing home following Hurricane Irma. With a deep understanding of elder abuse law and a strong record of successful outcomes, Leighton Panoff Law offers experienced, compassionate representation for those seeking accountability and justice.