Reporting Nursing Home Abuse

Living in nursing facilities and assisted living communities can be a safe and comfortable option for the elderly and disabled who require assistance with daily living tasks. However, it's essential to be vigilant and monitor your loved one's care to ensure they receive the care and respect they deserve.

Reporting nursing home abuse can be challenging and emotional, but taking action to protect your loved one's well-being and health is essential.

Was your loved one harmed in a nursing facility? The personal injury lawyers at Nursing Home Law Center, LLC, can help. Our legal team represents abuse victims in nursing homes and long-term care facilities to ensure they are compensated for their damages.

Contact our nursing home abuse attorneys at (800) 926-7565 or use the contact form to schedule a free consultation to report abuse and discuss your case.

Protecting Nursing Home Residents

As our loved ones age, they need nursing facilities to provide their needed care. Unfortunately, abuse and neglect are all too common, leaving vulnerable older adults at risk of harm.

Family members reporting nursing home abuse can play a critical role in preventing elder abuse and ensuring that nursing home patients receive the care and attention they deserve.

Abuse in Assisted Living Facilities

Abuse isn't limited to nursing homes; it can also occur in assisted living communities. Assisted living facilities provide services to the disabled and elder seniors who need help with daily living tasks. Still, they often have fewer regulations and fewer staff members than nursing homes.

It can make it easier for abuse to occur, and many cases may go unreported. It's essential to be aware of the warning signs of abuse in assisted living communities, such as sudden changes in behavior, unexplained injuries, or changes in financial accounts.

Report elder abuse to the proper authorities immediately, which might involve nursing home ombudsmen, the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) hotline, or your state's Adult Protective Services.

Preventing Nursing Home Abuse

Nursing home abuse is a serious problem affecting many nursing facility older adults. By understanding the warning signs of mistreatment and knowing how to report negligence or abuse, you can protect your loved ones and prevent further harm.

There are numerous steps to prevent nursing home abuse, including monitoring your loved one's care, reporting any signs of abuse, and advocating for your loved one's rights. Taking proactive steps can help ensure that your loved one is safe and well-cared for in their nursing home.

Seeking medical and legal help for nursing home abuse victims can also help you hold caregiving facilities accountable for their actions and ensure your loved one's well-being and health. No one deserves to suffer from nursing home abuse, and taking action is essential to protect our vulnerable elderly population.

What is Nursing Home Abuse?

Nursing home abuse is any intentional harm inflicted upon a resident. This can include physical, emotional, sexual, or financial abuse, neglect, or abandonment.

According to nursing home abuse statistics, 1 in 10 residents has experienced some form of abuse. Sadly, many cases of nursing home abuse go unreported, so it is essential to know the signs and how to report them.

Types of Nursing Home Abuse

There are several types of nursing home abuse to be aware of. Physical abuse involves the use of force to cause harm to a disabled or older person, such as hitting, pushing, or restraining. On the other hand, emotional abuse involves verbal or nonverbal acts that cause distress or fear, such as shouting or ignoring the resident.

Sexual abuse involves sexual contact without the resident's consent, including unwanted touching or sexual assault. Financial abuse involves exploiting a resident's assets, including stealing, misusing funds, or pressuring them to sign documents.

Who is at Risk of Nursing Home Abuse?

Any nursing home resident can be at risk of abuse, but those who are physically or mentally frail are at a higher risk. Residents with dementia or Alzheimer's are also more vulnerable as they may have difficulty communicating or remembering incidents.

In addition, residents who lack regular visitors or have limited social interactions are more susceptible to abuse or neglect. It's essential to be vigilant and monitor the care provided by nursing home staff to protect your loved ones from abuse.

Recognizing Signs of Nursing Home Abuse

Recognizing the signs of abuse is critical to prevent further harm to your loved one. Signs of abuse may be physical, emotional, or financial.

It's essential to observe your loved one's behavior and physical condition regularly and report elder abuse if you notice any adverse changes immediately. The following are some common signs of abuse:

Physical Signs of Nursing Home Abuse

Physical signs of abuse may include unexplained bruises, cuts, or broken bones. Other signs to look for include sudden changes in weight, dehydration, malnourishment, or poor hygiene. In some cases, nursing home staff may even administer drugs to control a resident's behavior or sedate them, leading to grogginess or confusion.

Emotional Signs of Nursing Home Abuse

Emotional signs of abuse may be harder to detect but are no less harmful. Your loved one may become withdrawn or unresponsive, showing signs of depression or anxiety. They may also seem fearful, particularly around specific staff members or caregivers. Any sudden changes in behavior, such as crying or rocking back and forth, may also be indicators of emotional abuse.

Steps to Report Nursing Home Abuse

If you suspect your loved one is a victim of nursing home abuse, it's essential to take immediate action. Reporting nursing home abuse can be challenging and emotional, but protecting your loved one from further harm is vital.

The following steps can help you report nursing home abuse effectively:

Reporting Nursing Home Abuse to the Proper Authorities

Reporting nursing home abuse to government agencies and authorities is essential to ensure that the abuse is investigated and stopped. You can report elder abuse to numerous state and local authorities and medical experts, including:

  • State's Adult Protective Services (APS) agency investigates reports of neglect and abuse of vulnerable adults in long-term care facilities, including nursing care residents. They can also provide support services to victims of abuse and neglect.
  • Local law enforcement: Contacting local law enforcement is another way to report suspected elder abuse or neglect. They can investigate reports and take immediate action to protect victims of neglect and abuse.
  • Department of Health and Human Services: The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is responsible for ensuring the safety of nursing home patients. They can investigate nursing homes and other care facilities for poor care or treatment, abuse and neglect, and other violations of patient rights.
  • Nursing home ombudsmen are trained advocates who help residents and their families resolve problems and concerns related to nursing home care. They can also help residents and families report suspected abuse or neglect.
  • National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care is a non-profit organization that advocates for the rights and well-being of long-term care residents, including nursing home residents. National Consumer Voice can provide resources and support for reporting abuse and neglect.
  • The National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) is a government-funded organization that provides resources and support for preventing and reporting elder abuse. They can provide information on the warning signs of elder abuse and how to report it.
  • Local authorities: Contacting your local authorities, such as the city or county health department, can also be a way to report nursing home abuse. They can provide information on reporting abuse and neglect and investigate reports of poor care or treatment of a disabled or older person.
  • The Associated Press (AP) is a news organization investigating nursing home abuse and neglect. They have a hotline for reporting suspected abuse or neglect in nursing homes and can also provide resources for reporting neglect and abuse.
  • Staff members: If you suspect a staff member is involved in nursing home abuse, you can report it to the nursing home's management or human resources department. They can investigate the report and take appropriate action.

When reporting neglect and abuse, be sure to provide as much detail as possible, including the date and time of the incident, the names of those involved, and any witnesses. Reporting promptly can help prevent serious harm to nursing home residents.

Anonymous and Confidential Reporting

If you're concerned about retaliation or fear for your loved one's safety, you can report nursing home abuse anonymously. Confidential reporting can also be done. In some cases, you may even be able to remain anonymous and still receive follow-up information about the investigation weeks or months after you report negligence.

You can contact the facility's care providers, your local Adult Protective Services agency, ombudsmen, or the nursing home's administration to report abuse.

Family members can hire an elder abuse attorney from a nursing home law center to help them report elder abuse and hold facilities accountable.

Getting Help for Nursing Home Abuse Victims

If your loved one has suffered from nursing home abuse, getting them the help they need to recover and prevent further harm is essential should they be in immediate danger. When you report negligence to medical experts, add as much detail as possible signs of poor treatment, negligent of health care, or abuse.

The following are some ways you can get help for nursing home abuse victims:

Reporting Abuse or Neglect to Adult Protective Services (APS)

Reporting neglect and abuse to Adult Protective Services (APS) can help you get your loved one the medical and emotional care they need.

APS can investigate possible signs of abuse, remove your loved one from immediate danger, and provide them with essential services, such as hearing aids or medical emergency care.

Hiring a Social Worker or Elder Abuse Attorney

Hiring a social worker or elder abuse attorney can help you get your loved one the appropriate care and services they need to recover from the abuse. Social workers can provide counseling and support services.

At the same time, elder abuse attorneys can help you seek financial compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other expenses associated with the abuse or neglect.

How Legal Action Can Help Your Nursing Home Abuse Claim

If your loved one has suffered from nursing home abuse, competent lawyers can help you seek financial compensation and justice. You can take the following legal actions to hold the nursing home and its staff accountable for the abuse:

Filing a Nursing Home Abuse Lawsuit

You can file a nursing home abuse lawsuit against the nursing home, staff, or other care providers responsible for the abuse. To file a lawsuit, hiring a personal injury attorney specializing in nursing home abuse cases is best. The attorney will help you gather evidence and build a case to prove the nursing home's negligence, resulting in your loved one's abuse.

Obtaining a Free Case Review

Most personal injury attorneys offer a free legal case review to help you understand your legal options and assess the merits of your case. It can be helpful if you're unsure whether to pursue legal action or if you're not sure if you have a strong case. The attorney will review the details of your case and provide you with a legal opinion on the best course of action.

Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney from Nursing Home Law Center

When nursing home abuse occurs, victims and their families may face significant medical bills, emotional trauma, and other expenses. Hiring a personal injury attorney from Nursing Home Law Center can help victims and their families seek maximum compensation and justice for their harm.

During a case review, our attorneys will assess the details of the case, such as the severity of the abuse and the financial and emotional harm suffered by the victim. We will advise on the best course of action, such as whether to pursue a settlement or take the case to trial.

Call us at (800) 926-7565 to report nursing home abuse and start the legal process to receive the monetary recovery you deserve.

Resources:

Client Reviews

★★★★★
Jonathan did a great job helping my family navigate through a lengthy lawsuit involving my grandmother's death in a nursing home. Through every step of the case, Jonathan kept my family informed of the progression of the case. Although our case eventually settled at a mediation, I really was impressed at how well prepared Jonathan was to take the case to trial. Lisa
★★★★★
After I read Jonathan’s Nursing Home Blog, I decided to hire him to look into my wife’s treatment at a local nursing home. Jonathan did a great job explaining the process and the laws that apply to nursing homes. I immediately felt at ease and was glad to have him on my side. Though the lawsuit process was at times frustrating, Jonathan reassured me, particularly at my deposition. I really felt like Jonathan cared about my wife’s best interests, and I think that came across to the lawyers for the nursing home. Eric