By Christopher Dyer, Partner at Lucas, Macyszyn & Dyer Injury Attorneys · Member, The Florida Bar · Last updated October 06, 2026
If you are worried that a parent or loved one is being neglected or mistreated in an Inverness or Citrus County facility, trust that instinct. Florida gives nursing home residents clear, enforceable rights, and families can act to protect them. Here are the warning signs and the steps that help.
Warning signs to watch for
Unexplained bruises, bedsores, frequent falls, or sudden weight loss.
Poor hygiene, soiled clothing or bedding, or an unclean room.
Fear, withdrawal, agitation, or a new reluctance to speak in front of staff.
Missing money or belongings, or sudden changes to financial documents.
Staff who discourage private visits or delay letting you see your loved one.
Your loved one has legal rights
Florida law gives nursing home residents a bill of rights, including the right to be treated with dignity and to be free from abuse and neglect (Fla. Stat. § 400.022). When those rights are violated, Florida law allows a civil action for damages (Fla. Stat. § 400.023).
Steps to Take if You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse in Inverness
If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.
Report suspected abuse or neglect to the Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-96-ABUSE (1-800-962-2873).
Document what you see: photos, dates, names, and notes from each visit.
Get your loved one evaluated by a doctor outside the facility if you can.
Talk to a local attorney about protecting your loved one and their rights.
Frequently asked questions
What rights do nursing home residents have in Florida? Residents have a statutory bill of rights, including dignity, appropriate care, and freedom from abuse and neglect, under Fla. Stat. § 400.022. Violations can support a civil claim under § 400.023.
How do I report nursing home abuse in Florida? Call the Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-96-ABUSE (1-800-962-2873). If someone is in immediate danger, call 911 first.
Can our family take legal action? Yes. Florida law allows a civil action when a resident’s rights are violated. An attorney can explain your options and the deadlines that apply.
Talk to a real attorney, free
If you believe a loved one was harmed in a nursing home in Inverness or anywhere in Citrus County, we are here to help with care and discretion. Get a free case evaluation: no pressure, no obligation, and no fee unless we win your case. (Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.)
About the author
Christopher Dyer is a partner at Lucas, Macyszyn & Dyer Injury Attorneys and a member of The Florida Bar. The firm has more than 20 years of experience and has recovered over $100 million for injured clients across West Central Florida.
This article is general information about Florida law, not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is different. Talk to an attorney about your specific situation.
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