Nursing Home Abuse Resources

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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 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.

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.

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 (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

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 (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 Ombudsman 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.

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.

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:

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

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.

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.

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.

• Neglect & Exploitation Elder Abuse: 1-800-458-7214
• Adult Protective Services: (334) 358-5000

• Adult Protective Services: 907-269-3666 (local)
• Long-Term Care Ombudsman: 907-334-4480

• Adult Protective Services: 1-877-767-2385
• Long-Term Care Ombudsman: 1-877-600-2722

• Adult Protective Services: 1-800-482-8049
• Domestic Violence 24-Hour Hotline: 1-800-332-4443

• APS Abuse Hotline: ​​1-833-401-0832
• Long-Term Care Ombudsman: 1-800-231-4024

• Long-Term Care Ombudsman: 1-303-480-6734
• Area Agency on Aging: 1-303-480-6700 (Denver) or 1-866-959-3017

• Long-Term Care Ombudsman: 1-866-388-1888
• United Way 24-Hour Help Line: 2-1-1

• Adult Protective Services: 1-888-APS-4302
• Aging & Disability Resource Center: 1-800-223-9074

• Abuse Hotline: 1-800-962-287
• Long-Term Care Ombudsman: 1-888-831-0404

• Adult Protective Services: 1-866-552-4464
• Long-Term Care Ombudsman: (866) 552-4464

• Long-Term Care Ombudsman: 1-808-586-7268
• Adult Protective Services: (808) 832-5115

• Commission on Aging Office: 1-208-334-3833

• Elder Abuse Hotline: 1-866-800-1409
• Senior Helpline: 1-800-252-8966

• State Hotline: 1-800-992-6978
• Long-Term Care Ombudsman: 800-622-4484 or 317-232-7134

• Abuse Hotline: 1-800-362-2178
• Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program: (866) 236-1430
• Nursing Home Complaint Hotline: 1-877-686-0027

• Long-Term Care Ombudsman: 1-785-296-3017 or 1-877-662-8362
• Elder Abuse Hotline: 1-800-922-5330

• Adult Protective Services: 1-800-752-6200
• Long-Term Care Ombudsman: 1-800-372-2973

• Adult Protective Services: 1-800-898-4910
• Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program: 1-866-632-0922

• Adult Protective Services Hotline: 1-800-624-8404
• Long-Term Care Ombudsman: (800) 499-0229

• Elder Abuse Hotline: 1-800-917-7383
• Long-Term Care Ombudsman: 1-410-767-1100

• Elder Abuse Hotline: 1-800-922-2275
• Long-Term Care Ombudsman: (617) 727-7750

• Long-Term Care Ombudsman: 1-866-485-9393
• 24/7 Abuse Hotline: 1-855-444-3911

• Long-Term Care Ombudsman: 1-800-657-3591
• Seniors LinkAge Line: 1-800-333-2433

• Elder Abuse Hotline: 1-800-222-8000
• Division of Aging and Adult Services Hotline: 601-359-4915

• Long-Term Care Ombudsman: 1-800-309-3282
• Adult Abuse Hotline: 1-800-392-0210

• Adult Protective Services: (844) 277-9300
• Long-Term Care Ombudsman: 1-800-332-2272

• Long-Term Care Ombudsman: 1-800-942-7830
• 24-Hour Elder Abuse Hotline: 1-800-652-1999

• Adult Protective Services: 1-888-729-0571

• Long-Term Care Ombudsman: 1-800-442-5640
• Adult Abuse Hotline: 1-800-949-0470

• Long-Term Care Ombudsman: 1-877-582-6995
• Division of Aging Services: 1-800-792-8820

• Health Facility Complaints and Resources: 1-800-752-8649
• Long-Term Care Ombudsman: 1-866-451-2901

• Nursing Home Complaint Hotline: 1-888-201-4563
• Adult Care & Assisted Living Complaints: 1-866-893-6772

• Aging and Adult Services Hotline: 919-855-3400

• Senior Help Hotline: 1-855-462-5465

• Long-Term Care Ombudsman: (800) 282-1206

• Adult Abuse Line: 1-800-522-3511
• Safe Line (Domestic Violence): 1-800-522-7233

• Long-Term Care Ombudsman: 1-800-522-2602
• Abuse Hotline: 1-800-503-7233

• Adult Abuse Hotline: 1-800-490-8505
• Home Health Complaints: 1-800-254-5164

• Elder Protective Services: 1-401-462-0555
• Long-Term Care Ombudsman: 1-401-785-3340

• Long-Term Care Ombudsman: 1-800-868-9095
• Adult & Child Abuse Hotline: 1-888-227-3487

• Adult Services & Aging (local): 1-866-854-5465

• Long-Term Care Ombudsman: 1-615-253-5412
• Adult Protective Services: 1-888-277-8366

• Abuse and Neglect Hotline: 1-800-252-5400

• Abuse Reporting Hotline: 1-800-371-7897

• Adult Protective Services: 1-800-564-1612

• Elder Abuse 24-Hour Hotline: 1-888-832-3858
• Long-Term Care Ombudsman: 1-804-565-1600

• Residential Care Services Incident Reporting: 1-800-562-6078

• 24-Hour Hotline: 1-800-352-6513
• Long-Term Care Ombudsman: 1-800-834-0598

• Residential Care Complaints: 1-800-642-6552

• Department of Health: 1-866-571-0944
• HD Aging Division: 1-307-777-7995

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.

• NCEA - About Adult Protective Services
• CMS - Care Compare Tool