Florida Elder Abuse Prevention Program Undermined by Industry Influence
According to a investigation from the U.S. Administration on Aging, a Florida program designed to prevent elder abuse in assisted living facilities has been undermined by political and industry influence. The investigation was prompted by the firing of the outspoken head of the Florida Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program and determined that conflicts of interest in the organization of the program have allowed the program to be ineffective.
The purpose of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is to advocate for elderly and disabled residents of the state's assisted-living facilities. However, the program has an internal conflict of interest, as the ombudsman is supposed to have the authority to criticize the state's current regulations and licensing rules for assisted-living facilities, but the position is appointed by the state Department of Elder Affairs, which develops those same rules. This conflict of interest means that ombudsman's power is severely limited due to the political influence that the assisted-living industry wields in the state government.
This situation highlights a problem that plagues assisted-living facilities and nursing homes around the country. While state regulation and oversight are important in preventing abuse and neglect in these facilities, the facilities are usually owned by large companies that wield a large amount of political influence. This influence means that state oversight is often far from ideal. This means that the best way for preventing abuse and neglect remains vigilant monitoring and detection by residents' loved ones.
