Nursing Home Shut Down Due to Allegations of Dangerous Living Conditions
Recently, a Fort Myers nursing home was shut down by the state after evidence was discovered that the facility had failed to address unsanitary conditions for over a year. Unfortunately, this type of gross negligence is not uncommon and many nursing home residents are injured as a result, so if you believe that a loved one is suffering from the negligence of a nursing home facility and you have already contacted law enforcement, it is important to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney about your legal options, as your relative may be eligible for compensation.
Reports of Negligence
According to reports, the For Myers nursing home had been inspected by state authorities 17 times over a period of 13 months. Unfortunately, the facility repeatedly failed inspections, as investigators uncovered unsanitary or unsafe conditions for residents during each visit. In fact, the facility’s owners were even given notice of a return date for the next inspection and still failed to address the previously cited conditions. Last month, the state finally issued an order giving the facility 30 days to find new living arrangements for residents, after which the home will be shut down.
Types and Signs of Nursing Home Neglect
The recently reported abuse at the Fort Myers nursing home is unfortunately, not unusual, as the following types of nursing home neglect are reported at an alarming rate:
- Emotional or social neglect, which occurs when an elderly resident is repeatedly ignored or left alone for long periods of time;
- Personal hygiene neglect, where patients do not have access to clean laundry and are not assisted with bathing or brushing their teeth;
- Basic needs neglect, which occurs when a facility fails to provide a clean environment, or reasonable food and water to residents; and
- Medical neglect, where nursing home staff do not provide adequate attention or medication for bed sores, infections, mobility concerns, cognitive diseases, or diabetes.
Nursing home neglect is not always easy to identify, but family members are encouraged to keep an eye out for the following signs, which are often associated with neglect or abuse:
- Sudden and unexplained weight loss;
- Bedsores;
- Dehydration or malnutrition;
- Unusual changes in behavior;
- Changes in appearance or personal hygiene; and
Environmental hazards, such as slippery floors, poor lighting, or a lack of safety equipment, such as handrails in the showers.
Those who are injured as a result of this type of negligence can and should be compensated for their losses, which could include damages to cover medical expenses, the cost of finding a new facility, pain and suffering, and in some tragic cases, burial or funeral expenses.
Call Today to Discuss Your Case with an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
If you believe that a loved one has suffered neglect while residing in his or her nursing home, an experienced personal injury attorney can assist you with exploring your legal options. Please call 954-566-9919 to speak with one of the dedicated Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorneys at Boone & Davis today about your own neglect-related questions or concerns.
Resource:
news-press.com/story/news/2017/12/01/fort-myers-assisted-living-facility-closed-because-of-110-residents-needing-assisted-living-must-mov/911871001/
