The decision to place a loved one in a nursing home is never easy. You trust the facility and its staff to provide compassionate, quality care to your family member. So, if you begin to suspect that your loved one may be experiencing nursing home abuse or neglect, it can be absolutely devastating if you do not know what to do if you suspect nursing home neglect.
At Tittle & Perlmuter, we know how painful this situation is and how lost you may feel. But you are not alone. Sadly, nursing home abuse and neglect are far too common. Over 2 million cases of elder abuse are reported every year, and many more go unreported. If you believe your loved one may be a victim, it is crucial that you take action right away to put a stop to it and get them the help they need. Here are the key steps on how to report nursing home abuse.
Document Everything
If you are wondering what to do if you suspect nursing home neglect, you can start by carefully documenting any signs or evidence of abuse. Keep a journal detailing your observations and experiences. Write down dates, times, names of staff members, and as many specifics as you can.
Take photos of any visible injuries, unsanitary conditions, or other red flags.
Having detailed records will be immensely helpful for reporting nursing home abuse and building a legal case if needed. Do not just rely on your memory. The more hard evidence and specific details you can provide, the better.
Talk to Your Loved One
Have a conversation with your family member about your concerns. They may be hesitant to talk out of fear or shame. Reassure them that you are there to help and that the abuse is not their fault.
Ask open-ended questions and let them share as much or as little as they are comfortable with.
Listen closely and take notes afterward about what they said. Let them know you believe them and will do everything you can to help.
However, be aware that in some cases of dementia or Alzheimer’s, the elderly person may not be a reliable source due to confusion or memory issues. They may even be unaware of the abuse. If they are unable to communicate with you, you will need to rely on your own observations.
Report It
If you have reason to believe nursing home abuse or neglect is occurring, you must report it right away. Time is of the essence to prevent further harm to your loved one or other residents.
In Ohio, you have several options for reporting suspected abuse:
- Call 1-800-282-1206 and talk to the Ohio Long-Term Care Ombudsman. Ombudsmen advocate for nursing home residents and can help resolve concerns.
- Call the Ohio Department of Health’s Complaint office at 1-800-342-0553. Complaints can be made anonymously if needed. ODH will investigate.
- If you believe there is an immediate, serious danger, call 911 or your local police non-emergency number to report it. They are obligated to investigate.
- Notify the nursing home administrators and put your concerns in writing unless you believe they are involved in the abuse. Request a care plan meeting.
When you report the suspected abuse, provide as many details as you can. Share the information you have documented. Describe the red flags you have observed. Explain why you believe abuse or neglect may be taking place.
Get Medical Attention
If your loved one has been injured or has suffered physical or mental health issues due to nursing home abuse or neglect, get them medical attention as soon as possible. Take them to see their primary care physician or to the emergency room if needed.
Tell the doctor that you suspect nursing home abuse. The physician can document and treat physical injuries, malnutrition, dehydration, bedsores, etc. They can also evaluate their mental state and cognitive condition. Be sure to request copies of all medical reports and records.
Seek mental health treatment for your loved one if needed as well. Many victims of nursing home abuse understandably experience emotional trauma, fear, depression, anxiety, and loss of trust.
Speaking with a counselor or psychologist can help them process the experience and begin to heal.
A complete medical assessment is important for your loved one’s health and well-being. It also provides valuable medical evidence should you decide to pursue a nursing home abuse lawsuit.
Move Your Loved One
If your elderly family member is in immediate danger, if the situation does not improve after reporting, or if you have lost faith in the facility’s ability to provide proper care, it is time to move your loved one out of that nursing home.
Research other care facilities in your area. Ask for recommendations from friends, family, social workers, and the long-term care ombudsman. Tour the nursing homes in person if possible to observe the conditions and interactions. Ask questions about their staffing ratios, training, safety measures, and abuse prevention policies. Choose the facility you feel will best meet your loved one’s needs.
Consult a Nursing Home Abuse Attorney
Nursing home neglect cases can be very complex, both legally and emotionally. Hiring an experienced nursing home abuse attorney can make a world of difference in easing your burden and pursuing justice for your loved one.
A skilled attorney can help you:
- Meet key deadlines and statutes of limitations
- Obtain evidence like medical records, photos/videos, incident reports, etc.
- Interview witnesses and gather testimony
- Consult with medical experts to assess the extent of injuries/harm
- Build a strong case to hold the nursing home accountable
- Negotiate with the nursing home’s attorneys and insurers
- Take the case to trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached
- Recover maximum compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages
Look for a law firm that has successfully handled many nursing home abuse cases and treats you with the compassion, responsiveness, and respect you deserve during this trying time. Our team at Tittle & Perlmuter will help you work towards getting the compensation and justice you deserve.
Seek Legal Help
Learning that someone you love may be a victim of nursing home abuse is incredibly painful. But do not let feelings of overwhelm stop you from taking action. Your loved one needs you to advocate for their rights, protection, and dignity. At Tittle & Perlmuter, fighting nursing home abuse is deeply personal for us. We truly care about our clients and work tirelessly to hold abusive nursing homes accountable. Contact us today for a consultation.
