Do you suspect your loved one is being abused at their nursing home? Do you have proof of mistreatment or evidence showing that essential care is being withheld from your loved one? Do not hesitate to take a stand and speak up against the nursing homes and caregivers that deliberately harm patients. The National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) reports that approximately 84% of incidents are not reported, depriving elderly abuse victims of protection and support.
Even with the large percentage of incidents left unreported, there are still over 500,000 elders abused each year. Perpetrators of nursing home abuse often target residents who are unable to communicate, and many victims fear retaliation if they disclose their abuse. If your elderly loved one is unable or unwilling to report abuse for themselves, the duty of reporting falls in your hands.
How to Report Nursing Home Abuse in NYC
As your aging loved one receives care at a nursing home, you must stay in touch and check in with them. Speaking with them regularly will allow you to pick up on any troubling changes in your loved one’s behavior. Ask if they were harmed or feel threatened in any way and recognize that your loved one may not feel comfortable discussing abuse. Always trust your judgment if you feel something is going on.
Voice your concerns to nursing home administrators and confront the staff members that provide care for your loved one. Discuss any abnormalities or events that make you suspect abuse and what can be done to ensure your loved one is receiving the level of care they’re entitled to. A good nursing home facility will have a grievance procedure and dispute resolution policy in place so you can address and resolve any issues promptly. When nursing home facilities refuse to correct deficiencies in care, families can report nursing home abuse by contacting:
Local Authorities
If you suspect that your loved one is in imminent danger, the fastest way to report abuse and get help is by calling 911. In an emergency, local law enforcement officers can respond quickly, assess the situation, and call for additional support if your loved one is hurt. Prompt and detailed reports of abuse put the nursing home facility on police radar and can help prevent a life-threatening situation from occurring.
A Long-Term Care Ombudsman
Reach out to a long-term care ombudsman for help reporting nursing home abuse. These are government-appointed public officials that serve different counties in the state who investigate alleged violations of rights within public organizations. Long-term care ombudsmen protect and promote the rights of nursing home residents by:
- Educating residents about changes in nursing home laws
- Advocating for residents through legal or administrative action
- Ensuring the concerns of residents and families are heard
- Investigating complaints of nursing home abuse
- Addressing the differences in long-term care services
Complaints filed with an ombudsman will be confidential, so victims don’t have to fear retaliation. To find an ombudsman near you, visit the New York State Office of Long-Term Care Ombudsman website for more information.
Doctors and Medical Professionals
If your loved one shows signs of physical abuse, such as bedsores, bruises, or cuts, speak to a doctor or medical professional and schedule a visit for them to perform a thorough examination. Experienced medical experts can help determine the root cause of your loved one’s injuries and treat them accordingly.
Elderly Abuse Hotlines and Protective Services
Other great resources for reporting nursing home abuse are elderly abuse hotlines and protective services. Below is a compiled list of helpful resources related to nursing home abuse:
- Eldercare Locator (1-800-677-1116)
- National Center on Elder Abuse (1-855-500-3537)
- New York Protective Services for Adults (1-844-697-3505)
- Nursing Home Abuse Hotline (1-888-201-4563)
- Elder Abuse Hotline (1-800-342-3009)
Before you call, gather all necessary documents that will help these agencies identify your loved one. They may ask for your loved one’s name, birthday, and social security number. Also, be prepared to provide the name and address of their nursing home facility as well as a detailed description of why you suspect mistreatment.
Get Help Reporting Nursing Home Abuse with NYC Trial Lawyers
Reporting nursing home abuse is the first step in preventing neglect and abuse from further harming your loved one and other residents around them. When nursing home facilities fail to take corrective action to improve their long-term care services, the emotional and physical well-being of your loved one can be affected. It’s up to you to act as a spokesperson for your elderly loved one and seek legal action to collect full compensation for their losses.
The experienced nursing home abuse attorneys at Dalli & Marino, LLP are NYC’s trusted source for successful legal guidance. We believe that no recipient of care should be violated, abused, or neglected at the hands of a caregiver or person the patient trusts. Drawing on nearly 25 years of experience in nursing home abuse and personal injury law, we’ve obtained millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for our clients. Call 888-465-8790 or complete our contact form for a free case evaluation.
