Disabled and older adults deserve the best care possible to improve or maintain their quality of life. Unfortunately, these individuals are some of our most vulnerable citizens, often susceptible to mistreatment in nursing facilities, community centers, and even at home.
There are many resources available for nursing home abuse victims and their families. If you or a loved one suffered any mistreatment in a long-term care facility, reach out to the resources we’ve compiled below.
Reporting nursing home abuse is not the only way to seek justice from negligent facilities. If you need legal help, the personal injury attorneys at Nursing Home Law Center, LLC, are here to serve as your legal advocates in pursuing rightful financial compensation from at-fault parties.
Contact our nursing home abuse lawyers at (800) 926-7565 for a free consultation.
What is Considered Nursing Home Abuse?
Nursing home abuse is any act that causes harm to a resident. It includes:
- Physical Abuse: Intentional acts that cause physical pain, injury, or death to a nursing home resident, e.g., pinching, slapping, kicking, pushing, etc. Using chemical or physical restraints on a resident without a valid medical reason is also considered physical abuse.
- Sexual Abuse: Any non-consensual sexual contact with a resident, including but not limited to verbal sexual harassment, coerced nudity, indecent exposure, explicit photography, unwanted touching, and rape. Sexual contact with a person unable to give valid consent (e.g., a minor or mentally-disabled individual) is considered sexual abuse.
- Mental or Emotional Abuse: Verbal or non-verbal acts used to cause psychological harm to a nursing home resident, e.g., humiliation, gaslighting, intimidation, social isolation, etc.
- Financial Abuse or Exploitation: Any illegal or unauthorized use of a resident’s funds, assets, or property, including but not limited to forging checks, using bank cards without permission, stealing possessions, etc.
- Neglect: A caregiver’s failure to provide a resident’s basic needs, such as food, water, clothing, shelter, medical care, government resources, etc.
Warning Signs of Elder Abuse
Common warning signs of nursing home mistreatment include:
- Unexplained injuries, e.g., bruises, cuts, broken bones
- Recurring or unmanaged infections
- Pressure ulcers
- Dehydration and malnutrition
- Untreated health conditions
- Unsanitary or unsafe living conditions
- Poor personal hygiene
- Inappropriate or inadequate clothing
- Behavioral changes, e.g., new fears, depression, anxiety
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Insufficient access to government benefits or resources
- Self-neglect
- Self-harm and suicidal thoughts or behaviors
- Resident’s report of being abused or mistreated
Laws and Regulations Preventing Mistreatment in Nursing Homes
The Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987 (NHRA) establishes nursing home residents’ rights and standards that nursing homes must meet. According to this law, every resident is entitled to the following:
- Right to be free from abuse and neglect
- Right to be free from physical or chemical restraints
- Right to privacy
- Right to receive support and resources for medical, physical, mental, and social needs
- Right to participate in family and social groups
- Right to be treated with dignity and respect
- Right to exercise self-determination
- Right to freedom of communication
- Right to participate in one’s care plan review and be informed in advance of any changes in medical care, treatment, and facility status
- Right to voice complaints and grievances without fear or reprisal
Nursing Home State Laws
The States have additional laws on elder abuse in addition to the NHRA. These laws and regulations vary from state to state, but generally aim to protect residents’ rights (including Constitutional rights), establish standards for nursing home care, and deter mistreatment by enforcing penalties for non-compliant facilities.
The National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) is one of the 27 resources funded by the Administration on Aging. It provides recent information on training, research, news, best practices, and various resources on elder mistreatment.
You can find various elder abuse resources from the agency’s publications, including information on Adult Protective Services (APS), cultural issues related to elder abuse or neglect, guardianship, best practices for caregivers, etc.
The National Institute on Aging (NIA) also has various research and resources regarding elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Its website provides access to crucial information on the types and signs of mistreatment, the long-term effects of abuse, and common ailments in the elderly.
Furthermore, elders and their families can find resources on seniors’ challenges through the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). This non-profit organization’s website provides various elder abuse resources, including the signs and types of abuse and tips for caregivers.
Resources for Reporting Nursing Home Abuse
Reporting nursing home abuse is the best way to protect your family member from further harm and prevent other vulnerable adults from the same fate. Luckily, there are many ways you can report abuse to the authorities, including:
Adult Protective Services
Adult Protective Services are social service programs legally authorized in every state. These programs help protect the health, safety, and well-being of adults vulnerable to mistreatment, abuse, or inability to defend themselves.
The Adult Protective Services program has many responsibilities, including:
- Receiving reports of alleged or suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation
- Determining if clients are eligible for Adult Protective Services
- Investigating reports of alleged mistreatment
- Addressing emergency requests for resources, such as food, shelter, protection, etc.
- Developing case plans to stop abuse and helping clients receive support and resources for their physical, psychological, and financial needs
You can report nursing home abuse to the APS office in your area through their local number or the:
National Adult Protective Services Association
202-370-6292
You can also go to www.napsa-now.org for more resources. Some states accept anonymous reports and provide legal protection to good-faith reporters.
National Elder Fraud Hotline
The elderly are particularly vulnerable to financial scams and fraud. According to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center, fraud and romance scams targeting older adults caused more than $184 million in losses in 2018.
Hence, the US Department of Justice National Elder Fraud Hotline helps victims prevent or minimize financial losses.
National Elder Fraud Hotline
833–372–8311
The hotline is open Monday to Friday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM eastern time. You can also visit https://stopelderfraud.ovc.ojp.gov for more elder abuse resources concerning fraud and financial exploitation.
National Center on Elder Abuse
Although the National Center on Elder Abuse is not an investigatory agency, it connects people to the most relevant resources in their region. It does not accept reports but can help you determine the best agencies and resources to file your complaint based on location.
National Center on Elder Abuse
1-855-500-3537
ncea-info@aoa.hhs.gov
The Department of Health and Human Services
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) aims to improve the health and welfare of all Americans. It provides effective health and human services and supports advances in medicine, social services, and public health resources.
The Office of Inspector General, the largest inspector general’s office under the federal government, receives complaints on fraud, waste, and mistreatment related to health resources and human services.
Office of Inspector General
1-800-447-8477
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Some seniors are more prone to abuse or neglect at home than in nursing homes and assisted living facilities, usually perpetrated by family members or paid caregivers. If you or a loved one are being abused at home, you can call:
National Domestic Violence Hotline
800-799-7233
The hotline is available for everyone, not just the elderly, and is accessible 24/7. You can also reach the organization by texting ‘START’ to 88788.
Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
Long-Term Care Ombudsman (LTCO) Programs are authorized under the Older Americans Act and are present in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the District of Columbia. An LTCO program helps resolve issues related to the health, safety, and well-being of nursing home residents and improve the quality of care on the state and national levels.
A LTCO program is responsible for the following:
- Investigating and resolving complaints made by nursing home residents, family members, or staff members
- Educating the public about nursing home health care and long-term services and supports (LTSS)
- Connecting residents to long-term care resources
- Encouraging the formation and development of community and family councils
- Ensuring nursing home residents have complete access to LTCO services and resources
- Representing residents’ interests before government agencies
- Seeking administrative or legal remedies to protect residents in nursing facilities
- Analyzing and recommending changes in laws related to the health, safety, and well-being of nursing home residents
Every LTCO program submits its reports on investigations and complaints to the National O
mbudsman Reporting System (NORS). These resources are available to the public.
You can report the mistreatment of an older person in a nursing facility to your local long-term care ombudsman program. Long-term care ombudsman services are free for everyone.
Report Abuse to Local Law Enforcement
Call the police if you think your family member or another vulnerable adult is being abused or neglected in their nursing facility.
Call 911 if you think they are in immediate danger. Otherwise, refer to the help resources above.
Helpful Resources for Finding The Best Long-Term Care Facilities and Elder Services
Looking for the right nursing home for your family can help protect them from abuse or neglect. Below are some of the best resources that can help you find a high-quality nursing home:
Eldercare Locator
The Eldercare Locator is a social service program by the Administration on Aging, helping connect seniors and families to resources available for every older person.
Eldercare Locator
1-800-677-1116
Eldercare Locator
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Care Compare tool helps families find nursing care homes, assisted living facilities, rehabilitation centers, and senior resources in their area.
This tool lets you view CMS facilities, inspection ratings, complaints, and violations. The site also shows facilities cited for nursing home abuse or neglect.
National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care
The National Consumer Voice provides various resources to help families find high-quality long-term care. Through its portal, you can learn more about getting quality care, residents’ rights, finding elders’ advocates, etc.
Nursing Home Abuse, Neglect, and Mistreatment Resources by State
Every state has elder abuse resources, agencies, and community services. If you or a loved one are being abused in a nursing home, contact the agencies in your area to find help.
Alabama
- Neglect & Exploitation Elder Abuse: 1-800-458-7214
- Adult Protective Services: (334) 358-5000
Alaska
- Adult Protective Services: 907-269-3666 (local)
- Long-Term Care Ombudsman: 907-334-4480
Arizona
- Adult Protective Services: 1-877-767-2385
- Long-Term Care Ombudsman: 1-877-600-2722
Arkansas
- Adult Protective Services: 1-800-482-8049
- Domestic Violence 24-Hour Hotline: 1-800-332-4443
California
- APS Abuse Hotline: 1-833-401-0832
- Long-Term Care Ombudsman: 1-800-231-4024
Colorado
- Long-Term Care Ombudsman: 1-303-480-6734
- Area Agency on Aging: 1-303-480-6700 (Denver) or 1-866-959-3017
Connecticut
- Long-Term Care Ombudsman: 1-866-388-1888
- United Way 24-Hour Help Line: 2-1-1
Delaware
- Adult Protective Services: 1-888-APS-4302
- Aging & Disability Resource Center: 1-800-223-9074
Florida
- Abuse Hotline: 1-800-962-287
- Long-Term Care Ombudsman: 1-888-831-0404
Georgia
- Adult Protective Services: 1-866-552-4464
- Long-Term Care Ombudsman: (866) 552-4464
Hawaii
- Long-Term Care Ombudsman: 1-808-586-7268
- Adult Protective Services: (808) 832-5115
Idaho
- Commission on Aging Office: 1-208-334-3833
Illinois
- Elder Abuse Hotline: 1-866-800-1409
- Senior Helpline: 1-800-252-8966
Indiana
- State Hotline: 1-800-992-6978
- Long-Term Care Ombudsman: 800-622-4484 or 317-232-7134
Iowa
- Abuse Hotline: 1-800-362-2178
- Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program: (866) 236-1430
- Nursing Home Complaint Hotline: 1-877-686-0027
Kansas
- Long-Term Care Ombudsman: 1-785-296-3017 or 1-877-662-8362
- Elder Abuse Hotline: 1-800-922-5330
Kentucky
- Adult Protective Services: 1-800-752-6200
- Long-Term Care Ombudsman: 1-800-372-2973
Louisiana
- Adult Protective Services: 1-800-898-4910
- Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program: 1-866-632-0922
Maine
- Adult Protective Services Hotline: 1-800-624-8404
- Long-Term Care Ombudsman: (800) 499-0229
Maryland
- Elder Abuse Hotline: 1-800-917-7383
- Long-Term Care Ombudsman: 1-410-767-1100
Massachusetts
- Elder Abuse Hotline: 1-800-922-2275
- Long-Term Care Ombudsman: (617) 727-7750
Michigan
- Long-Term Care Ombudsman: 1-866-485-9393
- 24/7 Abuse Hotline: 1-855-444-3911
Minnesota
- Long-Term Care Ombudsman: 1-800-657-3591
- Seniors LinkAge Line: 1-800-333-2433
Mississippi
- Elder Abuse Hotline: 1-800-222-8000
- Division of Aging and Adult Services Hotline: 601-359-4915
Missouri
- Long-Term Care Ombudsman: 1-800-309-3282
- Adult Abuse Hotline: 1-800-392-0210
Montana
- Adult Protective Services: (844) 277-9300
- Long-Term Care Ombudsman: 1-800-332-2272
Nebraska
- Long-Term Care Ombudsman: 1-800-942-7830
- 24-Hour Elder Abuse Hotline: 1-800-652-1999
Nevada
- Adult Protective Services: 1-888-729-0571
New Hampshire
- Long-Term Care Ombudsman: 1-800-442-5640
- Adult Abuse Hotline: 1-800-949-0470
New Jersey
- Long-Term Care Ombudsman: 1-877-582-6995
- Division of Aging Services: 1-800-792-8820
New Mexico
- Health Facility Complaints and Resources: 1-800-752-8649
- Long-Term Care Ombudsman: 1-866-451-2901
New York
- Nursing Home Complaint Hotline: 1-888-201-4563
- Adult Care & Assisted Living Complaints: 1-866-893-6772
North Carolina
- Aging and Adult Services Hotline: 919-855-3400
North Dakota
- Senior Help Hotline: 1-855-462-5465
Ohio
- Long-Term Care Ombudsman: (800) 282-1206
Oklahoma
Oklahoma
- Adult Abuse Line: 1-800-522-3511
- Safe Line (Domestic Violence): 1-800-522-7233
Oregon
- Long-Term Care Ombudsman: 1-800-522-2602
- Abuse Hotline: 1-800-503-7233
Pennsylvania
- Adult Abuse Hotline: 1-800-490-8505
- Home Health Complaints: 1-800-254-5164
Rhode Island
- Elder Protective Services: 1-401-462-0555
- Long-Term Care Ombudsman: 1-401-785-3340
South Carolina
- Long-Term Care Ombudsman: 1-800-868-9095
- Adult & Child Abuse Hotline: 1-888-
227-3487
South Dakota
- Adult Services & Aging (local): 1-866-854-5465
Tennessee
- Long-Term Care Ombudsman: 1-615-253-5412
- Adult Protective Services: 1-888-277-8366
Texas
- Abuse and Neglect Hotline: 1-800-252-5400
Utah
- Abuse Reporting Hotline: 1-800-371-7897
Vermont
- Adult Protective Services: 1-800-564-1612
Virginia
- Elder Abuse 24-Hour Hotline: 1-888-832-3858
- Long-Term Care Ombudsman: 1-804-565-1600
Washington
- Residential Care Services Incident Reporting: 1-800-562-6078
West Virginia
- 24-Hour Hotline: 1-800-352-6513
- Long-Term Care Ombudsman: 1-800-834-0598
Wisconsin
- Residential Care Complaints: 1-800-642-6552
Wyoming
- Department of Health: 1-866-571-0944
- HD Aging Division: 1-307-777-7995
Talk to Our Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys Today
Every older person deserves proper health care at home or in a nursing facility. If you or someone you know suffered mistreatment in a nursing home, use the elder abuse resources above to learn how to file a complaint.
You can also contact our elder abuse attorneys at Nursing Home Law Center, LLC, to find out how to recover financial compensation for your losses. Our network of lawyers handles cases involving abuse or neglect in nursing facilities and helps people recover medical expenses, disability costs, and other resources lost due to mistreatment.
Contact our nursing home attorneys at (800) 926-7565 or use the contact form for a free case review. All confidential or sensitive information you share will remain private under an attorney-client relationship.
Our lawyers handle all accepted nursing home abuse or neglect cases on a contingency fee basis. You don’t have to pay our legal fees unless we win your case.
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