Florida Injury Lawyer Blog
With Miami and South Florida nursing home abuse and negligence allegations in the news, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, many families are considering the safest options for elderly family members. Florida has many options for the elderly, and families are looking to provide safe care, from the choices available:
At-Home Care
Many elderly loved ones want to remain in their familiar, comfortable homes well into their golden years and there are supportive services that can make this happen, as long as a senior is physically and cognitively well enough to remain at home:
- Alarm systems: Personal alarms can help a senior call for help if they suffer a slip and fall or medical emergency in their home. Home alarm systems can also help seniors feel safer and can automatically provide two-way communication with an emergency dispatch in case of a break-in, fire, or other hazard.
- In-home nursing services: Another option for some families is to pay a support work or nurse to come into a senior’s home a few times a week. This professional can help with grooming, cleaning, and other services that may become more difficult as someone gets older. There are also complimentary services, such as cleaning services, landscaping and home management, laundry services, meal delivery, and other supports that can help elderly homeowners care for themselves and their property.
- Car and transportation adjustments: Transportation is often a key concern for independence, especially for seniors in South Florida. Dealerships and third-party services can help with adaptive technologies for cars as well as driving skill testing and training to help seniors stay behind the wheel. Paying for driver services can also help a senior who can no longer drive stay more independent.
- Family Caregiving
If an elderly family member can no longer remain at home, family may choose to move the senior into their home or to a nearby property to offer more hands-on help. Caregiving is a serious commitment, however, and caregivers need support as well as respite services to get a break themselves. They also need to be fit enough to help with grooming and other tasks, which may involve lifting or carrying a family member.
Assisted Living Facilities
In some cases, families can no longer care for an elderly loved one because they require more support. In these cases, assisted living facilities can be a good choice. These offer additional services, such as laundry and meal preparation, but also some medical services to keep elderly loved ones comfortable while still offering independence.
Retirement Homes
Retirement homes are properties designed for the unique needs of seniors. They allow for independent living and also offer activities, such as book clubs or exercise classes, to keep residents engaged. Many retirement homes also have memory care areas for patients who are living with dementia. Retirement homes can be a good option for active elderly loved ones who can no longer live at home.
Nursing Homes
For seniors with more complex health needs, nursing homes offer additional help with grooming, cleaning, eating, and some medical help. This can be an option if an elderly loved one has significant underlying health conditions and needs help from a nurse regularly.
What Can I Do If My Elderly Loved One is Injured?
The first step to reducing the risk of senior neglect and abuse in care settings is to choose the appropriate level of care. Researching different options can also help. Even with careful diligence, however, senior abuse and neglect can and does occur. If this happens to your family member, contact an experienced attorney in Miami or your community to find out if you have claim and can seek financial recovery so you can pay for medical treatment and better care for your loved one.
If you think you may have a claim and would like to know more, call Flaxman Law Group at 866-352-9626 or contact us online to schedule a free, no obligation case consultation. Our legal team has more than six decades of experience and we have offices in Miami, Homestead, and Hollywood to serve the entire South Florida area.