Many families must turn to nursing homes to provide skilled care for aging relatives—but not every home meets even the minimum standards. A recent Florida case demonstrates why it’s so important for families to choose a reputable home and watch for signs of neglect and abuse.
Recently, a 71-year-old man was found dead in a storage room at North Dade Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in North Miami, Florida. His body was found over a week after his family was told he had checked himself out of the facility. The man, who was recovering from a stroke and reportedly diagnosed with dementia, was admitted to the rehab center on August 14. On August 22, his family received a call that he had left the facility. This led them to file a missing persons report.
Days later, the family learned from an anonymous staff member that the man’s body was found in another room within the facility. The family has since been unable to get answers from the rehab center about how and when he died. They fear he may have suffered alone without food, water or medication in his final days.
Signs of nursing home neglect
Nursing home neglect doesn’t always end in tragedy, but it can have serious physical, mental and emotional repercussions all the same. Families should stay vigilant and watch for the signs of neglect.
Nursing home neglect can manifest in several ways. Physical signs often include unexplained injuries like bruises, bedsores or frequent falls, which may suggest a lack of supervision or inadequate care. Poor personal hygiene, such as dirty clothing, unwashed hair or untrimmed nails can also be a red flag—it indicates that residents are not receiving assistance with bathing or grooming. Sudden weight loss and dehydration may be due to a lack of proper meals and hydration.
Emotional and behavioral changes can also signal neglect. Patients may become withdrawn, depressed or seem unusually agitated. Watch for isolation from social activities, a decline in cognitive function or fearfulness around staff members. This might indicate emotional neglect or even abuse.
If you notice any of these signs, document them with notes, photos or video. Then call the Law Offices of Tim Misny right away. Our firm can evaluate your claim, explain your legal options and help you hold neglectful nursing homes accountable.
Talk to an Ohio nursing home abuse and neglect lawyer today
The Law Offices of Tim Misny can help you with your nursing home abuse and neglect claim. If the nursing home failed to meet appropriate standards of care, I’ll Make Them Pay!® Call my office at (877) 944-4373 so that I can evaluate your case right away.
