Nursing Home Surveillance Cameras: Is Florida Going To Be Next?
Florida has more nursing homes than most states, with South Florida in particular being highly sought after not only as a location for retirement, but also for assisted living and nursing care. Unfortunately, the combination of an increasing amount of nursing home residents and insufficient oversight has resulted in an increase in nursing home abuse and negligence claims, leaving loved ones and their families searching for accountability and solutions.
One such potential solution is the installation of nursing home surveillance cameras in the rooms of nursing home residents. The use of legally authorized “Granny Cams” is on the rise, with several states, including Illinois, Maryland, Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Utah already having nursing home laws in effect that allow family members the right to install and monitor webcams in their loved one’s rooms.
While the development of such laws inevitably brings with it privacy issues, the overall benefit of the potential to greatly reduce cases of negligence, abuse, rape, and even wrongful death in care facilities cannot be understated. Legislation was initially proposed in 2017 for Florida nursing home surveillance cameras. For more information contact your state legislators and the Agency For Health Care Administration.
Agency for Health Care Administration
Bureau of Long Term Care Services
2727 Mahan Drive, Mail Stop #33
Tallahassee, Fl 32308
Phone: 850-487-4303
Website: http://ahca.myflorida.com/MCHQ/Health_Facility_Regulation/Long_Term_Care/NH.shtml
Signs That Your Loved One May Be Being Abused or Neglected
Sleep problems/nightmares
Exhaustion
Sudden malnutrition
Depression/Withdrawal/Paranoia
Complaints and anxiety about staff/Fear of staff members
Fear of taking food or medication from staff members
General fear
Repetitive physical actions
Hopelessness
Crying
Fast breathing, shaking, rocking, tapping
Stating a desire to die
Sudden overall deterioration of health
Bedsores
Bruises
Bleeding
Burns
Restraint Marks
Broken Bones
Sprains/Strains
Cuts
Missing hair on scalp
Refusal to eat or drink and resultant weight loss
Bladder or kidney infection
Dehydration
It is important to note that physical and mental abuse often occurs simultaneously in Nursing Home Abuse & Negligence cases, and recognizing the signs is key in stopping the abuse and/or negligence and seeking help.
Has Your Loved One Been A Victim of Nursing Home Abuse or Negligence?
Meeting with an experienced Florida Nursing Home Abuse & Negligence lawyer for an initial consultation is an important step. Research information about lawyers who specialize in Miami & South Florida Nursing Home Abuse & Negligence, or if possible, who specialize in the particular type of Nursing Home Abuse or Negligence you or your loved one endured, whether it be mental abuse, physical abuse, or both.
Many lawyers and legal teams offer free initial consultations. At Mallard & Sharp, P.A., we specialize in Miami Florida Nursing Home Abuse & Negligence cases. To schedule a free initial consultation with our expert legal team call 877.662.5527 or 305.461.4800.