‘Warehoused without any protection’: Florida traps seniors in elder care homes
Once they are labeled “vulnerable adults” by Florida’s Department of Children and Families (DCF), elders can lose their autonomy, their homes and their dignity. They can lose control of their money, which the state spends on lawyers and professional guardians assigned to protect them, whether they need that assistance or not. Decisions by DCF Adult Protective Services caseworkers depriving elders of their freedom are almost always made without court oversight and beyond public view. Almost 95% of elders removed from their homes statewide never appear before a judge and never consult with a lawyer. More from the Miami Herald and the Tampa Bay Times.
See also:
» Inspectors warned about Miami senior homes. The state sent at-risk elders anyway
New COVID variant has been detected in Florida
A newly identified COVID-19 variant is being monitored by federal health agencies after spreading to multiple states, including Florida. While early signs are raising some concern, experts say it’s still too soon to fully understand how significant the strain could become. Health officials say case numbers remain low, with only a small percentage of U.S. infections linked to the variant. [Source: FOX 13]
As Florida cancer cases climb, some patients seek expertise across state lines
Cancer is a leading health concern in Florida, which has the second-highest cancer burden in the United States. The Florida Cancer Data System estimates that up to 145,000 Floridians are diagnosed with the disease annually, with more than 60% of those cases occurring in people 65 and older. [Source: Health News Florida]
Tax time brings surprises for some who receive ACA subsidies
Tax time can come with big surprises for some people who have Affordable Care Act coverage, including owing money back to the government for premium subsidies received during the previous year. More changes lie ahead that make it important for those getting subsidies in 2026 to track their income and take steps to protect against that kind of financial hit. [Source: WUSF]
See also:
» Meals, mortgage or medicine? Floridians on Obamacare facing tough choices
Measles cases slow down in Florida, but numbers remain historically high
Florida's measles outbreak appears to have slowed down. However, measles counts continue to rise throughout the country. In the latest available data for last month (through March 28), the state reported 21 new cases – a remarkable dropoff from the 123 cases between January and February, according to the Florida Department of Health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention labels measles as one of the most contagious diseases in the world. [Source: WLRN]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Premier Community HealthCare fills gap for uninsured and others in Florida
When Joey Resnick took over as CEO of Premier Community HealthCare just over a decade ago, the nonprofit operated out of five sites. Standing still wasn’t an option as a rise in the number of low-income families needing health care and the pandemic challenged the nonprofit to meet the demand for medical services in Pasco and Hernando counties. Premier now provides care at 12 sites across the two counties, in addition to increasing telehealth options and operating at school sites in Pasco.
› ‘It’s a safe space’: Mobile midwifery clinics meet patients where they are in Miami-Dade
Run by the Southern Birth Justice Network, the mobile midwifery clinic brings care to majority-Black and Latino neighborhoods across Miami-Dade County several times a month. The clinic aims to offer a more relaxed setting, where women are comfortable and heard, their cultures are integrated, and they can connect with doulas from diverse backgrounds.
› UF Dance Marathon raises over $1.1 million for UF Health Shands Children's Hospital
On a weekend built around singing, dancing and fun events, the moments that mattered the most were often the quiet ones. For Amelia Early, the mother of Dani-Lynn Early, a miracle child, it wasn't the music or the huge crowd of volunteers that stood out. It was a reminder that they were no longer fighting alone. Behind the lights and energy of the University of Florida's Dance Marathon, stories like that of Early and her daughter took center stage.
› AI, robotics transform Southwest Florida health care
From artificial intelligence-powered diagnostics to precision robotic surgeries, advanced technologies are redefining and revolutionizing health care in Southwest Florida. As technologies advance, so too does the training necessary to provide future health care practitioners with the cutting-edge knowledge they will need to succeed. Health care systems including Naples Comprehensive Health, Lee Health and Physicians Regional are unveiling new technologies at a rapid pace.