2.
What are the indicators of nursing home abuse or neglect?
3.
Where do I go to report suspected nursing home abuse?
4. Why do I need to keep a copy of my report?
5. Is there a special format for reports or complaints about nursing home abuse?
6. What type of response should I be looking for?
7. How much would it cost to hire an attorney to help me get good care for my
family member in a nursing home?
1. It breaks my heart to see the substandard care that my relative is receiving
in the nursing home. We can't care for her at home. What can I do?
Bring this to the attention of the nursing home. Let them know that you are
documenting this negligence and that you are reporting it. Then do so. Sarah
Greene Burger, interim executive director for the National Citizens' Coalition
for Nursing Home Reform, says that the threat of a lawsuit is one of the biggest
weapons nursing home residents and their families have against deficient care.
2. What are
the indicators of nursing home abuse or neglect?
Some of the most common circumstances that may indicate abuse or neglect are the
following:
1) Bed sores
2) Falls
3) Fractures
4) Malnutrition
5) Unexplained injuries
6) Improper medication
7) Rapid weight gain or loss
8) Unsanitary conditions
9) Poor staffing
10) Unexpected death
This listing is not exhaustive, however. Any suspicious, sudden, or unexplained
change in condition may also be an indication of abuse or neglect.
3. Where do I go to report suspected nursing home abuse?
Any nursing home abuse or negligence should be reported immediately to a
knowledgeable nursing home attorney and to your local State Department of Health
Licensing or Certification office. You may also report it to the headquarters of
your state health agency. It is wise to make your report by mail and keep a copy
of your complaint. If you should make your report by telephone, keep a note of
the date of the report and the name of the person with whom you spoke.
4. Why do I need to keep a copy of my report?
Privacy laws are in place to ensure that all states keep these reports
confidential. If you should need to follow up on your report in any manner, you
will need a copy to which to refer.
5. Is there a special format for reports or complaints about nursing home
abuse?
Not really, but to be effective, all of the following information should be
included in your report or complaint:
- Your name, address, telephone and/or email address;
- Your relationship to the resident in the nursing home;
- The resident's full name and the medical problems that the resident
suffers. The complaint itself should be specific;
- Times and dates you observed the problems;
- Names of the staff at the nursing home who are in any way involved,
including those that you have spoken to about the abuse or negligence;
- Any medical records relating to the abuse (these can be from the nursing
home, the emergency room and/or the hospital.) If the abuse or negligence
resulted in death, an autopsy should also be included.
6. For what type of response should I be looking?
It depends upon the jurisdiction involved. For example, in Maryland you should
hear back from the State about your complaint within a few days. It is likely
that they will plan a surprise inspection of the nursing home in question.
7. How much would it cost to hire an attorney to help me get good care for my
family member in a nursing home?
The initial consutation is free at Kantrovitz & Associates. We are dedicated to recovering substantial damages
for our clients who have suffered from nursing home abuse and negligence.
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