Steps to Report Nursing Home Abuse

cartwrightlaw - May 18, 2024 -

If you suspect a loved one is being mistreated or neglected in a nursing home, it’s important to take action immediately. Reporting nursing home abuse is crucial for protecting vulnerable residents and ensuring they receive proper care and treatment.

If you suspect a loved one has been a victim, Discovery Bay nursing home abuse lawyers can help. Immediately reach out for a free consultation about your options.

What is Nursing Home Abuse?

Nursing home abuse refers to mistreatment or harm inflicted upon residents in long-term care facilities. This can include physical abuse, emotional or psychological abuse, sexual abuse, financial exploitation, and harmful neglect.

Abuse can occur through intentional actions or by failing to provide necessary care and services. The consequences of nursing home abuse can include serious harm and death to the residents.

Most Common Complaints About Nursing Homes

Some of the most common complaints about nursing homes include:

Neglect or inadequate care
Poor hygiene or unsanitary conditions
Improper medication management
Lack of basic amenities or services
Staffing issues or unqualified personnel
Physical or emotional abuse by staff or other residents

If you think someone you love is being hurt in a nursing home, pay close attention to any possible signs right away.

Recording the signs of mistreatment or neglect can make it easier to report them later on. It can also help build a stronger case if you decide to take legal action against the nursing home for abuse.

First, write down when you first noticed your loved one acting differently or seeming unhappy. Include as many details as you can about when, where, and how the mistreatment happened.

It may also help to take pictures if you think your loved one is being neglected or physically hurt. These pictures can be used as evidence.

Signs and Types of Elder Abuse

It’s important to recognize the signs of elder abuse to protect your loved ones. Here are some common types and indicators:

Physical abuse such as bruises, cuts, burns, fractures, restraint marks on wrists, or other unexplained injuries.
Emotional or psychological abuse, which can be characterized by withdrawal, depression, fear, or sudden changes in behavior.
Sexual abuse shown by bruising or bleeding in genital areas, torn or bloody clothing, development of STDs.
Financial exploitation, with missing funds, unexplained withdrawals, or unpaid bills.
Neglect characterized by poor hygiene, malnutrition, dehydration, untreated medical conditions, bed sores, missing medical devices such as hearing aids and glasses

How Do I Report a Nursing Home to the State of California?

If you suspect nursing home abuse or neglect in California, there are several ways to report it:

Contact the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Licensing and Certification District Office for your area. You can file a complaint online, by phone, or in writing.

Report to the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, which advocates for residents’ rights and investigates complaints.
For emergencies or immediate harm, contact local law enforcement or emergency services.
You can contact the Adult Protective Services (APS) in California
By calling the nursing home abuse hotline

In cases where there’s serious harm or death to the resident, the police can help you take immediate action.

They can file criminal charges for:

Sexual assault
Assault or homicide
Financial fraud

When reporting, provide as much detail as possible, including the name and location of the nursing home, the type of abuse or neglect, and any specific incidents or injuries. You can report anonymously if desired.

Reporting a suspected nursing home abuse opens up an investigation into the overall well-being of the vulnerable adult while at the facility. It can also help you begin the process of relocating your loved one or otherwise ensuring their safety at their existing facility.

Once you report the abuse to the necessary authorities, you should learn about your loved one’s rights to compensation for the harm they suffered. Nursing homes can be civilly liable for abuse and neglect, and a nursing home abuse lawyer can assess how to best seek compensation for your family’s losses.

Get in Touch With an Experienced Discovery Bay Nursing Home Abuse Attorney Today

If you suspect nursing home abuse or neglect, don’t hesitate to report it. Your actions could protect vulnerable residents and prevent further harm.

Next, contact our experienced Discovery Bay nursing home abuse lawyers at The Cartwright Law Firm, Inc. for guidance on reporting and pursuing legal action against abusive or negligent nursing homes. Reach us online or call (415) 851-6486. We’re here to advocate for your loved ones and ensure they receive the care they deserve and protect their legal rights.