Residents' Rights in Nursing Homes, Assisted Care Communities, and Adult Family-Care Homes
The Florida Legislature has created laws which outline the specific rights residents have in nursing homes, assisted care communities, and adult family-care homes.
In addition to other rights outlined in Florida's laws, residents always have the rights to live in a safe and decent living environment, free from abuse and neglect, and to be treated with personal dignity and individuality.
I think my loved one is being abused or neglected. What should I look for when I visit my loved one?
- Unexplained bruising and skin tears
- Skin breakdown and pressure sores (particularly on the resident's heels, buttocks, back, shoulders, and elbows)
- Weight loss
- Falls
- Dehydration
- Changes in mental status
- More agitated than usual
- Less active than usual
- Confused, quiet, unable to pay attention
- Over-medication or under-medication
Some or any of these signs should be investigated. Verbal explanations by the staff caring for your loved one may or may not be accurate or truthful. The records that these facilities should be maintaining should provide answers. We have been investigating cases of adult abuse for over 25 years.
