All of us with loved ones residing in a nursing home want them to be safe, secure, and well cared for. If you have concerns about the quality of care your loved one is receiving in a long-term care nursing facility in Florida, your first step should be to discuss the issue directly with the facility staff.
With whom should you speak at the nursing home? Start with those directly caring for your loved one. You can also talk with the unit manager, the director of nursing, the social services department, and/or the facility administrator.
If discussing the problem with staffers does not solve the problem, there are a variety of outside resources that may be able to assist. We list these resources and contact information below.
Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
A volunteer-based advocacy organization whose goal is to improve long-term care facility residents’ quality of life and care. The group investigates complaints made by or on behalf of residents. All investigations are confidential and provided at no charge.
- Call 1-888-831-0404 (toll-free) or 1-850-414-2323
- Email ltcopinformer@elderaffairs.org.
Florida Abuse Hotline (Department of Children and Families)
This agency is charged with providing comprehensive protective services for vulnerable adults who are abused, neglected or exploited. Call the hotline at 1-800-96-ABUSE (800-962-2873).
Agency for Health Care Administration
The Agency for Health Care Administration licenses and regulates Florida’s long-term care facilities. It has a toll-free telephone system through which consumers may file complaints.
- Toll-free: 1-888-419-3456 (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.)
- Complaint administration unit
- Fax: 850- 488-6094
Elder Helpline (Department of Elder Affairs)
The Elder Helpline provides information regarding elder services and activities in each Florida county.
- Toll free : 1-800-963-5337
- Web site : https://elderaffairs.org/programs-services/elder-helpline-1-800-963-5337/
Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (Attorney General)
This group investigates fraud committed by health care providers; corruption in the administration of the Medicaid program; and abuse, neglect and exploitation of the elderly, ill and disabled residents of long-term care facilities.
- Toll-free : 1-866-966-7226
- Web site : http://myfloridalegal.com
- Fax: 850- 410-1630
