When you trust a nursing home to care for someone you love, you expect compassion, dignity, and safety. Unfortunately, not every facility meets that standard. Nursing home neglect and abuse can take many forms — from physical harm to emotional mistreatment — and recognizing the signs early is critical to protecting your loved one.
At Scott & Wallace Law in Tallahassee, we’ve represented countless families across Florida whose loved ones were harmed in long-term care facilities. Here’s how to identify the warning signs and what to do if you suspect abuse or neglect.
Understanding Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse
Neglect occurs when a facility fails to provide the necessary care to meet a resident’s basic needs — such as food, hygiene, medical attention, or safety. Abuse involves intentional actions that cause harm, whether physical, emotional, sexual, or financial.
Both are violations of a resident’s rights under Florida law. Sadly, many victims cannot communicate their suffering, which makes awareness from family and friends essential.
Common Signs of Neglect and Abuse
1. Unexplained Injuries
Bruises, fractures, or burns that staff cannot explain are serious red flags. Frequent falls or hospital visits may also point to inadequate supervision or unsafe conditions.
2. Poor Hygiene or Unsanitary Conditions
If your loved one appears unwashed, smells of urine, or lives in unclean surroundings, this could indicate neglect. A reputable facility maintains strict hygiene standards and cleanliness for every resident.
3. Sudden Weight Loss or Dehydration
Malnutrition and dehydration often signal neglect. Watch for dry skin, cracked lips, or complaints of hunger and thirst. These may indicate that residents aren’t receiving adequate food or fluids.
4. Emotional Withdrawal or Behavioral Changes
Fear, anxiety, depression, or sudden silence can suggest emotional or psychological abuse. If your loved one becomes unusually withdrawn or fearful of staff members, take it seriously.
5. Bedsores or Pressure Ulcers
Bedsores develop when immobile residents are not repositioned regularly. They can lead to infection or even sepsis, and they are entirely preventable with proper care.
6. Medication Errors
Overmedication, skipped doses, or inconsistencies in prescriptions can be signs of negligence or intentional wrongdoing.
7. Unexplained Financial Changes
Missing personal items, unauthorized withdrawals, or sudden changes in legal documents can suggest financial abuse.
What to Do If You Suspect Neglect or Abuse
If you believe your loved one is being mistreated, take immediate action:
- Document Everything: Photograph injuries, record dates and conversations, and keep copies of medical records.
- Report It: Contact the Florida Department of Elder Affairs or the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) to report your concerns.
- Seek Medical Attention: Ensure your loved one receives appropriate medical care as soon as possible.
- Consult a Nursing Home Abuse Attorney: A knowledgeable attorney can help investigate, preserve evidence, and hold the responsible parties accountable.
At Scott & Wallace Law, we understand how emotionally painful these cases can be. Our experienced legal team helps families pursue justice for their loved ones and ensures negligent facilities face the consequences of their actions.
Protecting the Rights of Florida’s Seniors
Every nursing home resident in Florida has the right to live free from abuse and neglect. Under Florida Statute §400.022, facilities are required to provide residents with proper healthcare, privacy, and respect. When those rights are violated, the responsible parties — including individuals, administrators, and corporate owners — may be held legally liable.
Our attorneys, Robert Scott and Clint Wallace, have recovered millions for injury victims across Florida. We take on powerful corporations and insurance companies to secure the justice your family deserves.
| Federal Fiscal Year | Total Complaints Investigated | Primary Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2014–2015 | 7,554 | |
| 2015–2016 | 9,370 | |
| 2016–2017 | 7,928 | |
| 2017–2018 | 5,206 | (Ombudsman) |
| 2018–2019 | 4,653 | (Ombudsman) |
| 2019–2020 | 3,489 | (Ombudsman) |
| 2020–2021 | 2,532 | |
| 2021–2022 | (see note below*) | (Ombudsman) |
| 2022–2023 | 2,051 | (National Consumer Voice) |
| 2023–2024 | 1,517 | (Ombudsman) |
Florida’s elder population scale: Florida had an estimated 4.7 million residents age 65+ (≈21% of the population) in 2022, underscoring the size of the at-risk population relying on long-term care.
- Florida Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program – Publications (Annual Reports)
Annual statewide complaint statistics and program metrics. (2014–present reports listed) Ombudsman - 2023–2024 Annual Report (LTCOP) – 1,517 complaints investigated (FFY 2023–24). Ombudsman
- 2022–2023 Annual Report (LTCOP) – 2,051 complaints investigated (FFY 2022–23). National Consumer Voice
- 2019–2020 Annual Report (LTCOP) – 3,489 complaints investigated. Ombudsman
- 2018–2019 Annual Report (LTCOP) – 4,653 complaints investigated. Ombudsman
- 2017–2018 Annual Report (LTCOP) – 5,206 complaints investigated. Ombudsman
- 2016–2017 Annual Report (LTCOP) – Quarterly table showing 7,928 total complaints investigated. Ombudsman
- 2015–2016 Annual Report (LTCOP) – Quarterly table totaling 9,370 complaint investigations. Ombudsman
- 2014–2015 Annual Report (LTCOP) – Quarterly table totaling 7,554 complaint investigations. Ombudsman
- Florida DCF – Adult Protective Services (APS) Overview
State agency that investigates reports of abuse/neglect/exploitation of vulnerable adults (including those in facilities). Use for general definitions, reporting duties, and program remit. My Floridafamilies - AHCA (Agency for Health Care Administration) – Provider Inspection/Compliance Portals
Facility-level surveys, deficiencies, complaints, and adverse incident reporting framework (statutory reporting for nursing homes under §400.147, F.S.). Useful for citing how incidents are reported and investigated. The Florida Senate+1
“According to the Florida Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, Florida investigated 7,928 complaints in long-term care settings in FY 2016–17, 4,653 in 2018–19, and 1,517 in 2023–24. These complaints span issues such as abuse, neglect, care quality, and resident rights and reflect problems reported by or on behalf of residents in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and adult family care homes.” Ombudsman+3Ombudsman+3O
Contact Scott & Wallace Law
If you suspect that your loved one has suffered nursing home neglect or abuse in Florida, contact Scott & Wallace Law for a free, confidential consultation. There are no fees unless we win your case.
📞 Call (850) 644-3500
📍 Located in Tallahassee, serving clients throughout North Florida and South Georgia.
*Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. While we strive to offer accurate and helpful information regarding personal injury claims in Florida, each case is unique, and specific legal advice can only be provided by a qualified attorney familiar with your situation’s details. Reading this article does not create an attorney-client relationship with Scott & Wallace. If you have been injured, we encourage you to consult with a licensed attorney to discuss your rights and legal options.
