Florida Nursing Home Death Rates

The American Senior Housing Association has reported that thirty percent of those who enter into a nursing center will die within the first year. While Florida has some of the leading nursing homes in the country, cases like the ones that unfolded after Hurricane Irma and current West Palm Beach nursing home death rates, demonstrate the need for strict regulations and oversight of nursing homes.

Furthermore, problems such as this highlight that nursing home abuse and neglect is still a concern that individuals and families need to be concerned of. If you or someone you love has been the victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, contact a compassionate nursing home abuse and neglect lawyer today to discuss your case.

Causes of Nursing Home Deaths

Nursing homes have a legal responsibility to provide residents with the proper care and support while they are in a nursing home. Since a number of people enter nursing home facilities because of medical concerns, it is important to understand that even with the best care, a nursing home resident may die as a result of a disease, illness, or an injury.

However, it is also important to distinguish that at times a nursing home resident’s death may be caused by nursing home abuse and neglect, which can also impact West Palm Beach nursing home death rates. Signs of nursing home abuse and neglect can include:

• Bedsores also known as pressure sores
• Unexplained falls and injuries
• Unexplained and rapid weight loss
• Dehydration
• Sudden changes in mood
• Frequent and recurring infections

Nursing Home Resident Rights

The Florida legislature has taken measures to require that nursing home residents are treated with respect and dignity and that they do not die as a result of nursing home abuse or neglect. However, they have not been as effective in holding nursing homes accountable when they fail to adhere to these standards. This lack of accountability leaves nursing home residents vulnerable.

Florida Statute Section 400.022 establishes that nursing home residents have the right to:

• Civil and religious liberties
• Private and uncensored communication
• Withdraw form health, social, legal or other services
• Present grievances on behalf of themselves
• Organize and participate in resident groups
• Participate in social, religious, and community activities
• Examine inspection reports filed against a facility
• Manage their personal financial affairs
• Informed of available services and of charges for services
• Informed of their medical condition and proposed treatment
• Refuse medication or treatment
• Receive adequate and appropriate health care
• Have privacy in treatment and in caring for personal needs
• Be treated courteously, fairly, and with the fullest measure of dignity
• Free from mental and physical abuse

There are other rights that are afforded to nursing home residents in Florida, and it is important that an individual and family who has a loved one in a nursing home facility understand these rights.

Contact a Florida Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Attorney Today

Unfortunately, deaths in nursing homes do occur, and it is important to contact a Florida nursing home lawyer anytime a resident passes away due to unclear circumstances. West Palm beach death rates do not always reflect whether the deaths were due to neglect or other factors. A nursing home neglect attorney can examine the facts and circumstances of a case and determine if your loved one was the victim of nursing home abuse and neglect and can help families recover financial compensation for their loved one’s losses.