Florida’s growing population of elderly people has faced many challenges, but the most widespread has been the exploitation and abuse of the community as a whole. Those who are in nursing homes or assisted living facilities are the most vulnerable as they not only require the most hands-on care but may not be able to communicate their experience as clearly.
The Elder Justice Act of Florida works as a source of authority for programs that deal with elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation. This Act sets a standard for the care, rights, and avenues of reporting that elders and residents in assisted living facilities are afforded. If you or a loved one has been a victim of elder abuse, know that you are not alone, and at Coker Law, we can provide you with compassionate legal representation.
What is the Elder Justice Act?
The Elder Justice Act is a state law that has been designed to protect the elderly by establishing measures to prevent, detect, and address the elder abuse that has been frequenting the community. With requirements on mandatory reporting for caretakers and families and a focus on prevention, this act aims to provide victims with resources and stop the abuse before it starts.
Key points in the Elder Justice Act:
- Mandatory reporting of suspected abuse by healthcare workers, caregivers or family members
- Enhanced penalties for those found guilty of elder abuse, neglect or exploitation
- Funding for training caregivers, improving investigations, and supporting victims
These pillars of the new legislation have already proven to bring significant changes in how cases of abuse are reported, prosecuted, and resolved.
Types of Elder Abuse
Elder abuse can affect anyone of any gender, race, or socioeconomic background. Those who require more extensive care by their caregivers tend to experience the most neglect and are unable to report it adequately.
Common types of elder abuse include but are not limited to:
- Physical Abuse: The intentional use of force or restrainment on another adult.
- Sexual Elder Abuse: Forced non-consensual sexual contact, including those who suffer from Alzheimer’s and dementia that prevent them from giving consent.
- Neglect: Failing to provide the necessary care and risking their safety and health.
- Emotional Abuse: The intentional psychological abuse that inflicts distress, anguish and mental suffering.
- Financial Exploitation: Illegal use of their disability money, property, or resources for personal benefit.
Understanding the different types of abuse is essential to recognizing the warning signs and reporting them to the proper authorities or obtaining legal counsel to help guide you on the next steps you need to take.
Signs of Elder Abuse
Families that are actively involved in their loved ones' lives play a vital role in identifying signs of abuse. Elder abuse doesn’t follow any identifiable patterns, and it is up to the families and support systems to report abuses.
Protecting your loved ones starts by recognizing the signs of potential abuse:
- Unexplained bruises, bleeding or injuries
- Unexpected falls or head injuries
- Untreated bedsores
- Unpaid bills, although they have adequate funds
- Unexplained bank transactions
- Uncharacteristic personality changes
- Paranoia
Elder abuse can remain unnoticed for long periods of time, and while the signs can sometimes be mistaken for illness or the effects of aging, taking the time to notice is the best way that we can protect our loved ones as we move toward taking action.
How to Report Elder Abuse in Florida
If you suspect that your loved one is suffering from elder abuse, you are mandated by the new Florida Elder Justice Act to report it to the necessary agencies.
- Contact the Florida Abuse Hotline: 1-800-96-ABUSE (1-800-962-2873)
- Contact Adult Protective Services (APS)
- Contact Law Enforcement
Don’t hesitate to report any and all suspected elder abuse to local authorities. Our elderly community deserves the respect and dignity of knowing their loved ones are looking out for them when they no longer have the capacity to do it themselves. By taking these preventative measures, you can help protect our most vulnerable adults and bring their abusers to justice.
The Role of a Personal Injury Attorney in Elder Abuse Cases
If you or a loved one has been a victim of elder abuse, it's important to seek legal advice. A skilled personal injury attorney can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve. Our team of attorneys at Coker Law are dedicated to ensuring your loved ones receive the proper care and compensation they deserve. Contact our office at (904) 356-6071 to get started today.
