If you’ve noticed any of the warning signs of abuse or neglect, you must act immediately to put a stop to it. Any delay could prove to be the difference between life and death.
You should immediately remove your loved one from the facility and clearly document signs of the abuse with pictures, notes and activity logs.
After ensuring your loved one’s safety, report the suspected abuse to the proper authorities, including:
Adult Protective Services (APS)
APS investigates and intervenes in abuse cases. Though APS involvement varies, every state has at least one toll-free elder abuse hotline.
Eldercare Locator
Eldercare Locator can refer you to a local agency that can help. The toll-free number is (800) 677-1116, and operators are available Monday through Friday, from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm.
Department of Health
Each state has a division of the Department of Health to oversee nursing homes and the enforcement of nursing home regulations. Specifically, Pennsylvania’s Department of Health maintains a “hotline” for reporting nursing home abuse and neglect at (800) 254-5164.
Licensing and Certification
Each state has a department that is required to investigate your complaint. Your state’s Licensing and Certification department may also substantiate your complaint and issue a citation, impose a fine or require corrective action.
Once you’ve removed your loved one from the situation and reported the abuse, you may consider civil litigation. The costs associated with nursing home abuse – moving your loved one, medical and counseling bills – could put your family in financial jeopardy. Pursuing the facility in court could help you recover much-needed funds and win justice for your loved one.
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