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Florida reports that its senior population, over 65 years of age, is greater than 4.5 million. Among this population, there were over 9,000 allegations of elder abuse in 2022, according to the Department of Elder Affairs.

The World Health Organization (WHO) sites the following key facts about elder abuse:

• Around 1 in 6 people 60 years and older experienced some form of abuse in community settings during the past year.

• Rates of abuse of older people are high in institutions, such as nursing homes and long-term care facilities, with 2 in 3 staff members reporting that they have committed abuse in the past year.

• Rates of abuse of older people increased during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Abuse of older people can lead to serious physical injuries and long-term psychological consequences.

Elder abuse in Florida can happen to any adult, but some factors contribute to a senior’s being at a higher risk for elder abuse than others. Some of these risks include:

• Cognitive impairment

• Poor physical health (functional dependence and disability)

• Shared living situations

• Social isolation

Cognitive Impairment

The National Council on Aging (NCOA) reports that nearly 50 percent of American seniors who suffer from some form of dementia are abused. Since they are already presupposed to memory problems, they have a harder time reporting abuse.

Poor Physical Health – Functional Dependence and Disability

As some seniors become more dependent on others to live in nursing homes or long-term care facilities, they are at a greater risk of abuse and/or neglect than other people. They may accept threats or coercion because they are afraid of losing support and being alone. They may also not be in a position to either defend themselves or leave an abusive situation.

Shared Living Situation

When seniors are in shared living situations, like nursing homes and long-term care facilities, they may be at a greater risk of abuse and/or neglect because there are more opportunities for conflict, according to WHO.

Social Isolation

Isolation may be a high risk for seniors. Even though seniors may be in nursing homes or long-term care facilities, they can still be socially isolated where they can be manipulated by an abuser.

What Families and Friends Can Do to Help Prevent Elder Abuse

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that several factors may increase or decrease the risk of perpetrating and/or experiencing elder abuse, including:

• Listening to older adults and their caregivers to understand their challenges and provide support.
• Reporting abuse or suspected abuse to local adult protective services, long-term care ombudsman, or the police. Use the National Center on Elder Abuse Listing of State Elder Abuse Hotlines external incon to find your state’s reporting numbers, government agencies, state laws, and other resources.
• Educating oneself and others about how to recognize and report elder abuse.
• Learning how the signs of elder abuse differ from the normal aging process.
• Checking on older adults who may have few friends and family members.
• Encouraging and assisting people having problems with drug or alcohol abuse in getting help.

Fort Myers Nursing Home Abuse Attorney Assists Abused Seniors

Florida’s nursing home and long-term care facility abuse is increasing. The Tallassee Democrat reported in a February 2023 investigation that it found serious state-issued violations in Florida’s nursing homes that have nearly doubled since 2019.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured because of the abuse and/or negligence of a nursing home or long-term care facility, please contact Fort Myers Nursing Home Abuse Attorney Randall Spivey of Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. 24/7 after seeking medical assistance.

"There are no costs or attorney fees until we receive a monetary recovery for you. We are available at 239.337.7483, toll-free at 1.888.477.4839, or contact us online at SpiveyLaw.com,” said Attorney Spivey.