How to Report Nursing Home Abuse

Reporting Nursing Home Abuse

A Pressing Concern Nursing home abuse is an unfortunate and pervasive issue that can have grave consequences, even leading to fatality. The National Institute on Aging (NIA) strongly recommends swift reporting of any suspected abuse.

Thankfully, concerned families have multiple avenues to report incidents of nursing home abuse.

To report nursing home abuse, families can reach out to:

• Elder justice organizations
• Local law enforcement
• Long-term care ombudsmen
• Medical professionals, including doctors and nurses

Tragically, nursing home abuse frequently remains unreported. In 2016 alone, the Associated Press revealed that approximately 6,600 potential abuse or neglect cases in nursing homes and assisted living facilities were left unreported. The National Research Council similarly found that merely 1 in 14 elder abuse cases is reported.

It is always a prudent step to report any suspected nursing home abuse. If a resident cannot voice their concerns, their family should act promptly on their behalf.

Who Can Be Contacted to Report Nursing Home Abuse?

Reports of nursing home abuse can be made to law enforcement, medical professionals, elder advocates, and even legal representatives.

Local Authorities

Arguably the most critical—and expedient—approach to reporting nursing home abuse is to dial 911.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services advises calling 911 when a senior is in imminent danger.

This serves a dual purpose:

• It ensures prompt medical attention for the victim.
• It alerts law enforcement to potential safety lapses within the nursing home.

For non-emergencies, reporting nursing home abuse to a local agency might be more suitable. For instance, you can contact your state’s Adult Protective Services (APS) branch.

The APS investigates suspected abuse cases and works toward solutions. Seek assistance from the APS branch in your state.

Eldercare Locator

The Eldercare Locator is a resource families can use to locate senior advocacy services in their vicinity. This can be achieved by simply entering a ZIP code.

The Eldercare Locator also provides information about housing, insurance, and transportation.

Families can access the Eldercare Locator by visiting eldercare.acl.gov or by calling the hotline at 1-800-677-1116.

National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA)

Established in 1988, the NCEA serves as a hub connecting seniors with resources to address abuse.

While the NCEA does not conduct abuse investigations, it offers guidance and resources for affected seniors.

Furthermore, the NCEA conducts its own research on elder abuse and contributes to public education on the issue. For more information, visit the NCEA’s official website.

Doctors and Medical Experts

Medical professionals, including doctors, can help determine whether a nursing home resident’s injuries resulted from accidents or abuse.

For example, in 2018, a nursing home resident experienced broken bones and severe cuts during a three-week stay at a nursing facility. Nursing home staff claimed the resident had self-inflicted injuries using a coat hanger, but medical professionals held a different view.

A nursing home staff member was subsequently sentenced to 12 years in prison for assaulting the woman.

Long-Term Care Ombudsman

Another avenue to report nursing home abuse is by contacting a long-term care ombudsman.

Ombudsmen advocate for the rights of nursing home patients. If a resident encounters issues with the facility, staff members, or caregivers, ombudsmen work to address them.

A long-term care ombudsman:

• Keeps residents informed about changes in nursing home regulations
• Listens to concerns voiced by residents and their families
• Provides information about various long-term care services
• Takes steps to ensure residents’ safety, health, and well-being

Every U.S. state and the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico have a Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program.

Families can locate a program in their area through the National Long-Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center.

Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers

Individuals who have suffered from elder abuse may consider reaching out to a nursing home attorney.

Attorneys at reputable law firms are well-versed in the legal process of reporting nursing home abuse. They can help secure financial compensation from long-term care facilities to cover medical expenses and other costs.

Confidential Reporting

According to a 2019 report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), residents might be reluctant to report nursing home abuse due to fears that staff or caregivers may treat them poorly.

Fortunately, many nursing home abuse reports can be kept confidential. For instance, complaints lodged with an ombudsman remain confidential unless consent to share is given.

When filing a report, inquire whether your report will be treated as confidential by the involved parties.

Noting Signs and Gathering Evidence of Nursing Home Abuse

When reporting nursing home abuse, providing potential signs of harm to your loved one is valuable.

Common signs of nursing home abuse include:

• Bedsores
• Bruising near the genital area
• Cuts, burns, broken bones, or abrasions
• Negative shifts in the resident’s behaviors or emotions
• Unexplained illnesses or infections

Recording these warning signs in detail is essential. Families can document signs of nursing home abuse by:

• Observing Behavior
• Noting any shifts in the resident’s mood or activities
• Capturing Images
• Taking photographs or videos of injuries (with consent)
• Interviewing Witnesses
• Recording statements from the resident or witnesses

Having evidence of abuse is crucial. While all nursing home abuse reports are taken seriously, the presence of evidence strengthens the claim.

Steps to Take After Reporting Nursing Home Abuse

The National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care provides insights into ensuring a resident’s safety after reporting nursing home abuse.

The National Consumer Voice recommends:

• Ensuring the elderly individual receives appropriate care and support for recovery
• Following up with investigators handling the abuse case
• Requesting copies of the investigation’s findings (if legally permissible)

Additional actions might be considered to enhance the safety and well-being of your loved one. For instance, relocating them from the nursing home where abuse occurred could improve their quality of life.

You can also consult a nursing home abuse lawyer to explore legal options.

Depending on the outcome of investigations and potential legal proceedings, an abusive nursing home staff member could be prevented from working at other facilities or face penalties including fines or imprisonment.

Seek Assistance in Reporting Nursing Home Abuse

Never hesitate to act when you notice signs of abuse. Reporting nursing home abuse is always preferable to facing tragic consequences.

Maintaining regular visits is one effective strategy to prevent your loved one from becoming a victim of nursing home abuse. This enables you to monitor their well-being and identify any signs of mistreatment or neglect during your visits.

To gain a deeper understanding of the process of reporting nursing home abuse, avail yourself of a free legal case review today. Our team of elder advocates is ready to assist you.