Orlando Nursing Home Under Fire for Treatment of Coronavirus Dementia Patient

By Orlando Personal Injury Attorney on July 26, 2020

The months-long battle against the novel coronavirus rages on as the number of positive cases continues to rise in Florida and the rest of the United States. Mix-matched leadership, unclear guidelines, and an apparent rush to reopen have all been contributing factors to the devastating increase, leaving many Floridians with a substantial concern for the well-being of themselves and their families – especially those who are residing in nursing homes or assisted living facilities.

According to the Florida Health Care Association, there are 691 licensed nursing homes and long-term care centers throughout the entire state of Florida to date. Back in March when the initial coronavirus outbreak occurred, the Florida Department of Health, in conjunction with Governor Ron DeSantis, issued an emergency order which prohibited “visitation to nursing homes, assisted living facilities and other long-term care facilities except by family and friends during end-of-life situations or for the purposes of health care or legal services.”

Without the ability to visit and since this emergency order went into effect, many family members with loved ones who reside at these types of facilities have seemingly been kept in the dark in regards to their relative’s health and current medical conditions. One Central Florida man in particular is outraged at the treatment of his 81-year-old mother who is currently residing at Rose Garden of Orlando, located within the city on Orange Blossom Trail.

During an interview with local news outlets, Sean Musselman stated that he was unaware of his mother’s deteriorating condition until they spoke on FaceTime, when he immediately recognized the fact that something was wrong. “Her hand was shaking like she’s having a seizure, her eyes were rolled over,” he said. After this alarming incident, she was transferred to Dr. Philips Hospital in Orlando where she tested positive for COVID-19. Mr. Musselman wholeheartedly believes that his mother, who already suffers from dementia, was probably showing signs of distress long before anything was ever done about it.

The owner of the Rose Garden of Orlando assisted living community, Greg Morris, maintains that his staff works diligently to ensure the safety of all their residents and that they follow all protocols & guidelines that have been established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Sources:

• Man says mom lived in horrible condition at Orlando nursing before testing positive for COVID-19
• Facts About Long Term Care In Florida
• Florida Health – Florida COVID-19 Response – Nursing Homes

James O. Cunningham

Since 1977, personal injury lawyer James Cunningham has provided effective legal advocacy to people who are injured through the negligent actions of another person or entity throughout the Central Florida area. He fights to obtain recoveries for his clients’ physical and emotional pain and suffering and pursues his clients’ personal injury cases with a commitment to excellence and impeccable preparation.