Please contact ombudsman. Make a report in "good faith." Make sure you include your name, address, phone number, as that is part of the process. I also contacted the Advocacy Center, JEB, ACLJ, NCEA, and more. Here is the reply I received from the National Center on Elder Abuse in DC.
Ms. Ward -
Thank you for contacting the NCEA. I am sorry to hear about this - these matters need to be investigated by the Long Term Care Ombudsman in the state where the incident occurred. In Florida, that number is 800-962-2873.
National Center on Elder Abuse
1201 15th Street, N.W., Suite 350
Washington, D.C. 20005-2800
202/898-2586 (phone)
202/898-2583 (fax)
NCEA@nasua.org In the weeks Terri has been at Park Place she has vomited twice, lost two molars, developed a decubitus ulcer and now, allegedly, was assaulted.
She is not allowed any visitors. Her family has been denied visitation, and so have friends. Her lack of treatment will be further compromised without any family and friends to check on her.
Here is what I sent
To Whom It Concerns,
In the past several days, word has been sent out that Terri Schiavo, currently housed at:
Park Place in Clearwater, Fl.
Assisted Living Facility
2750 Drew St.
727 799 2177
has lost a tooth, has a decubitus ulcer to the buttock, (a bedsore) and has lost a second tooth.
According to Cheryl Ford, RN, Schindler family confidant, the staff refuses to speak to the family. The staff will not answer any questions, in violation of a 1996 court order, regarding the bedsore. If untreated, the sore worsens, affecting the muscle then bone, Terri becomes septic, and dies.
To house this brain injured woman in a health care facility, provide substandard care, and deny her basic rights of protection is abusive as hell. Unresolved litigation and disputes within the family are not the issue. Terri Schiavo is the issue.
Consider this a good faith report. The facility should be investigated along with personnel. To flagrantly violate state laws by not reporting abuse to this gal is not a comforting feeling. Each caregiver who has had contact with Terri needs investigated.
Check what narcotics are being given Terri allegedly in a PVS, and how they deduce she is in pain if she is a PVS. Find out why this gal receives no sensory stimulation. Why she is not allowed outside in a wheelchair with her family. Why her family is not allowed to take photos. Why visitors must be approved by the estranged husband. Why there is an armed officer inside her room. The Schindler's are not able to bond with their daughter in a normal fashion. This is not health care. This is jail.
39.201 and 415.1034, Fla. Stat.
415.102(1), Fla. Stat.
415.102(26), Fla. Stat.
39.205 and 415.111, Fla. Stat. regarding failure to report; section 464.018, Fla. Stat. regarding disciplinary actions
39.203 and 415.1036, Fla. Stat.
825.101(2), Fla. Stat.
National Center on Elder Abuse, www.elderabusecenter.org
825.102 and 827.03, Fla. Stat