What Is the Definition of Elder Abuse in Florida?

Our elderly family members have the right to live out their twilight years in comfort and dignity. Discovering that your loved one suffered ill-treatment can be heartbreaking and upsetting. 

Elder abuse is not only upsetting and immoral; it is also illegal. According to the definition of elder abuse in Florida, it is unlawful for anyone to cause physical or psychological harm to a senior or vulnerable adult. Therefore, if your loved one experienced abuse in their nursing home, assisted living facility, or in other circumstances, you could potentially sue and recover compensation. 

Morgan & Morgan’s determined and compassionate elder abuse attorneys are ready to fight for your loved one. Contact us today for free advice to determine whether you have an elder abuse case.

Florida’s Legal Definition of Elder Abuse 

The Florida Statute §825.102 provides a clear and comprehensive legal definition of what counts as elder abuse:

1. Intentionally causing physical or psychological harm to a senior. 
2. Committing an act that is expected to result in physical or psychological injury to a senior.
3. Encouraging another person to commit acts resulting in (or expected to result in) physical and mental harm to a senior. 
4. Intentionally isolating or restricting access to an elderly individual unless necessary for their protection and welfare.

The Warning Signs of Elder Abuse

Your loved one could experience neglect and abuse in various settings, including a nursing home, assisted living facility, or at home. Unfortunately, elder abuse can be tough to spot, especially if a senior is unwilling or unable to talk about the abuse. However, there are some tell-tale signs and symptoms that could point to verbal, physical, or sexual abuse, including:  

• Unexplained bruising
• Withdrawal from social activities
• Sudden and unexplained weight or hair loss
• Fractures and dislocations
• New depression
• Anxiety and fearfulness
• Avoidance of certain caregivers
• Sexually transmitted diseases
• Bedsores
• Lack of personal hygiene
• Soiled bedclothes and stained clothing

You may also spot other concerning signs such as a lack of hygiene around the property and disrespectful treatment of residents. It is never a good sign if, during a visit, you come across a caregiver rough-handling residents or addressing them in a harsh tone. Your loved one could experience a similar disrespectful treatment when you are not around. 

Types of Elder Abuse

Unfortunately, elder abuse is a common problem in the U.S. Figures from the National Council on Aging (NCOA) suggest that one in ten Americans aged 60 and over experienced some form of abuse and neglect. These figures could be just the tip of the iceberg. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), nursing home abuse, in particular, may be much more common than current figures suggest. 

Individuals particularly vulnerable to abuse and neglect include those dependent on others for help with daily tasks and those experiencing physical and cognitive decline. Elder abuse can come in many forms, such as: 

Emotional and Verbal Abuse

Emotional abuse can be devastating to the mental health and overall well-being of a senior. Emotional abuse can include caregivers ignoring requests, calling seniors names, or humiliating them in front of others. Other types of verbal abuse include:

• Screaming or yelling at seniors
• Making threats 
• Excluding seniors from activities
• Preventing a senior from seeing family and other visitors

If your loved one suddenly develops anxiety, depression or isolates themselves from others, they could be the victim of emotional or verbal abuse. 

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse describes acts of violence or harm causing injuries or intended to cause injuries. Types of physical abuse include, among others:

• Unlawfully restraining a senior
• Shoving or kicking a senior
• Scalding or burns injures

Physical abuse can be easier to detect than some other types of abuse as it typically leaves signs on the body. If your loved one shows signs of unexplained injuries, extensive bruising, or there are unexplained dislocations and fractures, you should demand some explanations from caregivers. 

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse can include any unwanted sexual contact with an elderly individual, such as:

• Rape
• Unwanted nudity
• Unwanted touching
• Taking sexual photographs or videos
• Unwanted verbal advances

Individuals with dementia and other health conditions can be more vulnerable to abuse as perpetrators may see them as easy targets. If your loved one develops a sexually transmitted disease or you discover bloody or stained underwear, they may be subjected to sexual abuse.

General Neglect

A senior living in a nursing home or assisted living facility is entitled to assistance with daily tasks of living. They may need help with personal care, administering medications, housekeeping, eating and drinking, and other tasks as needed. General neglect can potentially result in serious medical conditions such as malnutrition, dehydration, and painful bedsores. Neglecting a senior’s needs can also lead to an untimely death. If your loved one deteriorates suddenly and drastically, they could be experiencing unlawful neglect. 

Financial Abuse

While financial abuse does not harm a senior physically, experiencing financial exploitation can be upsetting for the senior and their family. Signs of financial exploitation can include:

• Missing funds and empty bank accounts
• Missing valuables
• Unpaid bills
• An unexpectedly changed last will

If you suspect that your loved one is a victim of abuse, an elder abuse lawyer can help. The sooner you seek legal advice, the sooner your loved one could get justice and compensation for their ordeal.  

Do You Have an Elder Abuse Case? 

Elder abuse, by definition, is a crime in Florida. Whether your loved one suffered unlawful abuse in a nursing home or elsewhere, you could have legal recourse and potentially qualify for compensation. 

Nursing Home Abuse

According to The Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987, 42 U.S. Code § 1395i–3, nursing homes must care for residents in such a way that promotes their “maintenance or enhancement of the quality of life.” If your loved one suffered egregious abuse in their nursing home, you could hold the facility accountable. 

Who Is Liable?

The nursing home is generally responsible for managing the facility’s operational aspects and staff. Unfortunately, some nursing homes are more focused on their profits than on the health and well-being of their residents. Nursing home owners or management could be liable for your loved one’s injuries and medical bills if they:

• Hired negligently 
• Did not hire enough staff
• Failed to stop abuse in the facility
• Neglected staff training

Moreover, a nursing home could also be responsible for abuse by any third parties, such as visitors or contractors working at the home. A nursing home has to take reasonable steps to prevent harm to residents.

Assisted Living Facility Abuse

Florida law does not regulate assisted living facilities as tightly as nursing homes. However, a facility could be liable for damages if your relative experienced abuse or neglect. While assisted living facility residents do not need around-the-clock care, unlike nursing home residents, they still require assistance with daily tasks. An assisted living facility is generally responsible for providing adequate assistance for residents. Depending on the degree of independence, an assisted living facility provides:

• Meals
• Administering of medications
• Health monitoring 
• Household services
• Help with personal hygiene

If a facility failed to provide the services needed or failed to keep your loved one safe from abuse and neglect by staff or third parties, you could potentially sue for damages. 

Home Health Aide Abuse

Home health aides offer in-home care to the elderly and disabled. They usually work through a home health agency. In Florida, in-home caregivers do not require a certification or license. Moreover, home health agencies may fail to background-check or train their aides adequately before sending them into their clients’ homes. 

Home health aide negligence can lead to catastrophic injuries and fatalities. Seniors could be physically and mentally harmed or financially exploited by a home health aide. If this has happened to your elderly relative, an elder abuse lawyer at Morgan & Morgan can determine whether you have a case against an aide or home health agency.