The Aging of America and the Decline of Nursing Homes

Jan. 18, 2011 - PRLog -- Boca Raton, FL – Hollander Law Firm warns that with the increased aging of Americans and the decline of nursing homes and assisted living facilities, implications in terms of access and quality of care may become an issue.

In the last decade almost 3000 nursing homes closed. As the oldest Baby Boomers begin to turn 65 this year, one of their top concerns is their health and long-term care.Those over the age 65 represent 13 percent of the U.S. population, a number expected to skyrocket in the coming decades (71 million in 2030) as the Baby Boomers retire. And the federal government estimates that almost half of those over 65 will spend time in a nursing home or an assisted living facility. Nursing homes available nationwide has declined, from 16,516 in 2002 to 16,100 in 2008.

Baby Boomers worry about access and the increased potential for abuse or neglect (quality of care). Abuse can take many forms—physical, mental or sexual or neglect. Signs of abuse may include, but are not limited to, infections, broken bones, bruises, cuts, bed sores, rapid weight loss/gain, physical neglect, lack of personal hygiene, unsanitary conditions, isolation, unusual behavior, agitation, assault (physical or sexual), loss of money and property, etc.

To help reduce the risk of abuse or neglect, contact the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (http://ahca.myflorida.com/) which deals with oversight of nursing homes and enforcement of nursing home regulations. This agency has yearly surveys of each nursing home and also investigates complaints filed by family members

Florida law provides a Bill of Rights (http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Di...) for nursing home residents, which serve to protect residents and set an industry standard. The National Center on Elder Abuse (http://ncea.aoa.gov/ncearoot/Main_Site/index.aspx), under the direction of the U.S. Administration on Aging (http://www.aoa.gov/) provides the following numbers to report suspected elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation in Florida:

* 1-800-962-2873 (For suspected elder mistreatment in the home).
* 1-800-453-5145 (For suspected elder mistreatment in the home, TDD/TTY access).
* 1-888-831-0404 (For suspected elder mistreatment in long-term care facilities).

If you believe abuse and neglect has occurred to a family member or loved one at a nursing home or long-term care facility, please contact our office at (888) 751-7770 for a free consultation.

The Hollander Law firm is headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida, at 7000 W. Palmetto Park Road, Suite 500. The firm also has offices in Naples and Fort Myers. The attorney can be contacted at (561) 347-7770. Additional information about Hollander Law Firm may be obtained from the firm's website at http://www.hollanderlawfirm.com. Also visit our Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hollander-Law-Firm/116333408408020) for additional nursing home abuse and long-term care resources and news.

# # #

Beyond All Reasonable Doubt Marketing is a strategic marketing firm focused on helping law firm clients become more successful through increased business. For more information, contact (561) 637-2576, info@bardmarketing.com, or www.bardmarketing.com.