The share of Florida nursing home staffers who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19 increased by 5% last month, but the Sunshine State still lags behind others when it comes to inoculation.
A total of 58.5% of nursing home staffers in Florida are fully vaccinated, according to data compiled by AARP and Public Policy Institute. That ranks the state No. 46 in the country, ahead of only Oklahoma, Missouri, Louisiana and Michigan.
Florida reported 92 nursing home resident deaths from Covid-19 over the four-week period. That is down from 289 deaths the previous month, a decline that AARP Florida State Director Jeff Johnson hailed in a statement touting the latest data.
“The new data show decreases in nursing home resident deaths, resident and staff cases of COVID-19 and reported staffing shortages,” Johnson said. “With available booster shots and increased vaccination, we are hopeful that future reports will continue this trend.”
Still, the vaccination rate for nursing home staff remains well below the 74% average nationwide. Some 80% of the assisted living facilities in Florida have not met the industry standard of having at least three-quarters of staff vaccinated.
Fighting Back Against Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse
The low vaccination rate among staff at nursing homes across Florida puts some of the state’s most vulnerable populations at risk. Unfortunately, it is not the only way that nursing home residents are often placed in harm’s way.
Nursing home neglect and abuse is a very real threat for people living in assisted facilities throughout Florida and across the country. From failing to ensure that residents eat and drink to mishandling prescription medication and leaving facilities in dangerous conditions, nursing homes negligence can have serious and even life-threatening consequences.
The good news is that nursing home residents and their loved ones can fight back. State law makes nursing home operators and staff liable when they fail to live up to a certain standard of care for residents. It also gives residents the power to seek compensation for injuries caused by neglect and abuse.
Speak With a Villages Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been injured by nursing home abuse or neglect, it is important to know that you do not need to go it alone.
The Villages nursing home abuse lawyer Tim Babiarz can help you take legal action against those responsible. Tim is a seasoned attorney and tenacious litigator who has dedicated his career to helping others in the community in their times of need. His firm has a strong track record of successful results for nursing home residents and other clients.
Our office is conveniently located in The Villages. We are also proud to represent people throughout the area, including Ocala, Leesburg, Lady Lake, Wildwood, Summerfield and anywhere in Central Florida. Call (352) 205-7599 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with a Villages nursing home abuse lawyer.
