Switch to ADA Accessible Theme
Close Menu
Tampa Car Accident Lawyer
FREE Consultations Available
813-217-5715
TAMPA
Tampa Car Accident Lawyers > Blog > Nursing Home Abuse > The Economic Roots of Tampa Nursing Home Abuse

The Economic Roots of Tampa Nursing Home Abuse

NursingHome2

Many Hillsborough County long-term care facilities depend heavily upon government Medicaid funds. These facilities may still be recovering from the financial shock of 2015. That year, Florida cut Medicaid reimbursement rates by about 20 percent.

The changes did not end there. About that same time, Medicaid changed its billing practices in many cases. Instead of paying for each contact between staff and resident, Medicaid paid a flat rate per patient. In other words, the LTC once made money every time a nurse or other staff member performed a patient service. Now, the LTC loses money each time there is a contact.

To make up for the lost revenue, many Tampa nursing homes have taken on as many patients as possible. Simultaneously, they have trimmed payroll to dangerously low levels.

Examples of Neglect and Abuse in Tampa Nursing Homes

Abuse is a serious problem at overcrowded and understaffed Florida long-term care facilities. Yet most of these incidents go unreported. Many victims do not want their abusers to “get into trouble.” Others fear possible retaliation. So, it is often up to loved ones to look for signs of abuse like:

  • Staff-on-Resident Emotional Abuse: When staffing levels are low and population levels are high, many staffers keep residents isolated in their rooms. That isolation could last for hours in many cases.

  • Resident-on-Resident Physical Abuse: In low-staffing environments, there are often not enough people to properly supervise residents. That’s especially true during weekends, nights, and other low-census periods. So, there is no one to defuse petty squabbles between residents before these disputes become violent. Many residents are physically frail, so a little force causes a serious injury.

  • Staff-on-Resident Financial Abuse: This activity could simply be taking money from a resident. Or, it could involve an elaborate scam, like “Your granddaughter is in trouble and needs money right now.”

If your loved one has been abused, there may be physical evidence. Examples of that abuse can include personality changes, unexplained injuries, and missing money. If you suspect any form of abuse, take immediate action now. Your intervention may be the only protection that your loved one has.

Neglect takes place in understaffed and overpopulated environments as well. Bedsores are a particular problem. Sometimes, the nursing home hires less-qualified employees who do not spot bedsores straightaway. Other times, the facility does not keep enough people on hand to turn residents. Sometimes, turning a resident in bed is a two or three-person job.

Pressure ulcers often develop on the tailbone, knees, and other bony areas of the body. If the resident is turned in bed every two or three hours, bedsores are not a problem. However, if pressure ulcers are left untreated for even a little while, they quickly become life-threatening.

Damages in a nursing home abuse or neglect case usually include money for both economic losses, such as medical bills, and noneconomic losses, such as pain and suffering. The nursing home owner is usually responsible for these damages, because of legal theories like respondeat superior and negligent hiring.

Reach Out to Assertive Lawyers

Nursing home residents are some of society’s most vulnerable potential victims. For a free consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney in Tampa, contact The Matassini Law Firm, P.A. We routinely handle matters in Hillsborough County and nearby jurisdictions.

Resource:

forbes.com/sites/merrillmatthews/2015/01/05/doctors-face-a-huge-medicare-and-medicaid-pay-cut-in-2015/#22e7134b3173

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn

The experience you need in your pursuit of justice

The greatest distinguishing feature among attorneys is their level of experience. Our firm has more than 60 years of legal experience, much of it spent in the courtroom at trial. As a result, our Tampa personal injury lawyers rarely encounter an unfamiliar situation and can thoroughly answer your urgent questions. Our criminal defense practice features a board certified criminal trial lawyer and two former prosecutors with impressive knowledge of trial tactics and procedures.

The resources to provide quality representation for the length of your case

Whether your case involves medical malpractice, an auto accident or a wrongful death, your attorney must be prepared to take the case all the way through trial to verdict. Many personal injury attorneys advance the cost of litigation, so they can only last so long before financial pressures start to mount. As a client, you have to wonder whether an attorney's advice to settle your case reflects the quality of the offer or your attorneys need to get paid. Fortunately, The Matassini Law Firm has the resources to pursue civil verdicts and settlements that reflect the actual value of your case.

Call our Tampa Bay car accident lawyers for a free consultation

A crisis in your life calls for capable and compassionate assistance. The Matassini Law Firm, P.A. addresses your needs all the way through the legal process. For your free initial confidential conference with one of our Tampa car accident attorneys, call us today at 813-217-5715 or contact us online.

Share This Page:
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn
888-377-0011
Toll Free
813-217-5715
Tampa
2811 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, Florida 33609
GET DRIVING DIRECTIONS
+