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Home » Consumer Information » Elderly Care

Reporting Abuse

Nursing Home

Anyone is capable of reporting nursing home neglect or abuse. If you suspect foul play, or a resident complains about mistreatment, it is your responsibility to notify authorities. It is a violation of state and federal law for anyone, including staff, volunteers, family members, guardians, or neighboring residents neglect or abuse a nursing home inhabitant. Many states have established legislation requiring anyone to come forward who may claim to have witnessed wrongdoing.

When filing a report, make sure it is in writing and dated. Always keep a copy that you can refer to in case the original is tampered with or lost. In your document, be sure to include:

  • Who
    • Name of victim, including age and address
    • Name of facility
    • People overseeing victim’s care
    • Description of person you believe is responsible for maltreatment
  • What
    • Nature of harm inflicted upon victim
    • Physical signs of abuse
    • How long abuse or neglect has been occurring
  • Where
    • Place in which incident took place
  • When
    • Time and date of incident

Be as thorough as you can when describing the events; a detailed account will spur the investigation. Send your report to:

  • Nursing home administrator, nursing director, and social worker
  • Local or state ombudsman
  • Local or state police
  • Protection and Advocacy or Adult Protective Services agencies
  • State agency responsible for licensing and certifying nursing homes (usually part of health department)
  • Citizen advocacy group, church group, or community committee that visits on a regular basis

Keep trying until you are pleased with the response.