How to Report Nursing Home Abuse: 5 Things You Should Know
We have all heard horror stories about nursing home neglect and abuse: bedsores, residents wandering the halls without supervision. malnutrition and dehydration, insufficient medical care and medication errors. Unfortunately, vulnerable residents are being mistreated in nursing homes across the country. We want our loved ones to be safe, but what can we do when a facility neglects its duty of care? Here are some helpful tips on how to report nursing home abuse.
1) Know the signs of nursing home abuse and neglect
Before you learn how to report nursing home abuse, it’s helpful to recognize the warning signs. Here are some of the most common red flags:
- Bedsores
- Unexplained bruises
- Depression, anxiety or fearfulness
- Poor hygiene, including unwashed hair or soiled clothing
- Unintentional weight loss
- Isolation
- Excessive or improper use of physical restraints
2) Get emergency assistance if the resident is in immediate danger
If you believe the safety of your loved one is at risk, seek help immediately. Call the resident’s doctor or 911 if necessary. Remember, your main objective is to keep your family member safe. To report abuse of an adult age 60 or older or a person with disabilities age 18-59, call the 24-hour Adult Protective Services hotline of the Illinois Department of Aging at 1-866-800-1409 or 1-888-206-1327 (TTY).
3) Gather as much information as you can
Before you report nursing home abuse by filing a complaint, it’s important to have as much evidence as possible. If you have suspected neglect or abuse on more than one occasion, document each incident. Include the date, time, location (room, dining hall, etc.) staff member(s) present, and exactly what you observed. Be as specific as you can. Take photos if possible.
4) Avoid a direct confrontation with nursing home staff
As much as you may want to confront someone who has harmed your loved one, refrain from doing so. If you plan on reporting the nursing home for abuse, a confrontation can do more harm than good. Filing a formal complaint will lead the appropriate state and federal governmental authorities to conduct an investigation. Therefore, you don’t want to tip off the nursing home and give them a chance to hide evidence.
5) Contact a reputable nursing home abuse lawyer
Family members, advocates and caregivers can report nursing home abuse to The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). However, rather than file a complaint on your own, you will achieve a better result by consulting a qualified nursing home attorney. An experienced lawyer will help you learn how to report nursing home abuse to ensure your loved one is kept safe while obtaining the compensation you and your family deserve.
If you suspect a loved one is suffering from abuse or neglect in a nursing home, call 1-800-MALPRACTICE. Our lawyers are committed to protecting the vulnerable elderly people in our communities and holding the abusers accountable for their shameful and illegal actions.
Nursing home abuse and neglect law is complicated, but finding the right lawyer is simple.
Call 1-800-MALPRACTICE today for a free no-obligation consultation.
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