Nursing Home Abuse - Why does it Happen?
Most experts on nursing home abuse would rate stress as a major factor contributing to cases of neglect and abuse in nursing homes. Nursing home employees are usually paid less than hospital employees and are expected to see more patients in a shorter period of time.
Other contributing factors can be psychological, social, or economic problems of the abuser. None of these factors are excuses for neglect or abuse of a senior citizen.
We trust nursing homes to take good care of the people that we love. No excuse can justify hurting those who depend on professionals to care for them.
Click here to get help immediately If you feel a member of your family has been a victim of elder abuse.
REPORTING NEGLECT AND ABUSE
It is a violation of State and Federal law for any person, including facility staff, volunteers, visitors, family members or guardians, or another resident, to neglect or abuse a resident.
- Anyone can and should report neglect and abuse. If you suspect neglect or abuse, or if a resident tells you they are experiencing this problem, it is important to believe the resident and REPORT THE ALLEGATION IMMEDIATELY. This will help prevent further suffering by any resident.
- Many states have laws that require the reporting of abuse and neglect. Find out what your state requires.
- Put your report in writing, date it, and keep a copy. Convey as much information as you can about the situation. Remember to include:
- WHO The name of the victim, including age and address; the name of the facility and the people responsible for the victim’s care; the identity of the person who you believe abused or neglected the resident;
-
- WHAT The nature and extent of harm and any physical signs of abuse or neglect; any previous incidents; what happened;
-
- WHERE and WHEN The place where the incident happened and time and date of the incident.
Provide as much background information as possible. A thorough report will help the investigator to address the situation quickly.
Make Your Report To:
- The nursing home’s administrator, director of nursing, and social worker
- The state or local ombudsman
- The local police or State law enforcement
- A Protection and Advocacy or Adult Protective Services agency
- The state survey agency that licenses and certifies nursing homes (often in the Health Department)
- A citizen advocacy group, or other church or community group that visits regularly.
- Keep trying until you get the assistance you need. You can locate the above resources in:
- Agencies and Programs
- State Ombudsmen
- Citizen Advocacy Groups
AFTER THE REPORT
- Follow up with the resident and facility to make sure the neglect or abuse has stopped.
- Follow up with the person or agency conducting the investigation. Ask for written copies of findings if allowed by law.
- If the perpetrator is charged with abuse or neglect, the charge will be referred to the state licensing authority. If the guilty person is a nurse aide, the charge will be reported to the state nurse aide registry. This registry is used by nursing homes to prevent abusive aides from working with the elderly. Nursing homes are required to check the registry before hiring a person.
- If all the safety options fail, you may have to contact the local media, the U.S. Justice Department, or seek private legal assistance.
If you feel that a member of your family has been a victim of nursing home or elder abuse please contact our office to get help immediately at 1-800-773-1955.
Click Here to view the Nursing Home Bill of Rights in a PDF format (Requires Adobe Acrobat).
Call 1-800-773-1955 or Click here to get help immediately If you feel a member of your family has been a victim of nursing home or elder abuse.
