Elderly individuals who experience abuse or neglect in nursing homes may be hesitant to report the problem or be unable to do it on their own. If a caretaker is the one abusing the resident, for example, they may be afraid that reporting the abuse may make it worse. Because of this, it can often be the responsibility of a resident’s family or other close relatives to identify the warning signs of abuse and inform the proper authorities immediately. If your loved one is suffering from nursing home abuse, you should contact Quinn Law Group, LLC.
If you suspect nursing home abuse, whom should you report?
Here is what you should do if your loved ones are suffering from nursing home abuse:
- Inform the Facility
Make sure you or the facility administrator document the conversation if you have any reason to suspect that your senior loved one is experiencing sexual or physical abuse in the future. You should also report this information to the director of nursing. Facilities often include official complaint lines and forms that you can fill out and submit. To make sure that the organization received the complaint, it is a good idea to fill out those forms, keep copies for your files, and submit a copy with a certified postal receipt or fax confirmation. Make sure to follow up with the administrator and the director of nursing and to record your follow-up.
- Notify the State
If you detect abuse or neglect, you should report it to the facility as well as the State administrative agency that is the supervisor of these facilities. The Department of Health and Human Services provides the state department in charge of investigating reports of abuse and neglect. Although the State must look into the complaint, you should still provide every relevant detail, including names and contact details (keep copies for your keeping). Request an additional copy of the inquiry and any conclusions after filing the complaint.
- Notify the Police
If you think that your family member is in imminent threat, consider calling the local police with your suspicions. The police may launch an investigation into the care facility based on the facts.
The public can view the reports issued by state agencies to obtain additional data before choosing whether or not to place a loved one in one of these facilities.
- Contact a lawyer
You may want to speak with a local attorney about abuse in nursing homes. A lawyer can explain your legal decisions even if you are unsure if you can currently bring a claim against the nursing home. It is essential to consult with a qualified long-term care lawyer because there are a lot of rules, laws, and court rulings that can make it hard to pursue any potential claims.
- Nursing home administration
First, let the management or administration of the assisted living residence know about your concerns. They are in charge of handling internal problems and acting promptly.
- State Ombudsman for Long-Term Care
Every state has an Ombudsman program whose mission is to protect the rights of long-term care facility individuals. Contacting the Ombudsman might provide more help and tools for resolving difficulties within the nursing home.
Defending the Rights of Residents in Nursing Homes
Not only is it your responsibility to report abuse in nursing homes, but you can also protect the rights and dignity of those who are particularly vulnerable by doing so. It is essential to speak up for the well-being of residents of nursing homes and to take necessary steps in the case that they are abused.
People can help make nursing homes more secure places to live and make sure that patients get the respect and care they need by reporting suspected abuse as soon as they suspect it, maintaining track of cases, and notifying the proper authorities.
