Nursing Home Abuse
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Now, a look at the ethical tangle surrounding the nursing home industry in Florida. A recent U.S. government study showed that [a] low caregiver to patient ratio [in nursing homes] leads to inadequate care across the country. With its aging population, Florida is considered by many to be the face of the future. It’s a grim face. Insufficient attention to patients and worse is leading to multimillion dollar lawsuits against nursing homes … causing skyrocketing liability insurance … and threats of closure from the operators. Lucky Severson looks at a situation that critics say is heading for a crisis. LUCKY SEVERSON: The lines of time are etched in their weathered faces. These are Florida nursing home patients. Their average age is 85, and three out of four are women. For many, this will be their last home. There are about 700 nursing homes in Florida. The owners of many, if not most, say they are in serious financial trouble and may be forced to close. They say Medicare payments are too low to cover costs and make a profit. And, because of so many lawsuits, their liability insurance rates are going through the roof. True or not — strong assertions. Usually, they point the finger at one man in particular, a very successful lawyer named Jim Wilkes, who says that most nursing homes should be closed. More : pbs.org |