How to Report Nursing Home Abuse
If you have a loved one in a nursing home and you believe that they are being abused or neglected, it's very important that you report your concerns to the appropriate organizations. The question that most people ask themselves in this situation is: "How to report nursing home abuse?"
There are specific agencies and nursing home complaint hotlines in Iowa that you can use for reporting abuse and nursing home neglect. Whether it's elder abuse or some type of other negligence, it's important that you report it quickly. You don't have to do an investigation on your own, nor do you have to prove anything. Simply making a report if something seems wrong will trigger an investigation into the nursing homes or assisted living facilities in question.
If you believe that something is happening to a loved one, reporting elder abuse or other type of abuse is never a mistake.
What Should You Do If a Nursing Home Resident Is in Immediate Danger?
Before anything else, if you believe that your loved one is in immediate danger, you should call 911. You may believe they are getting assaulted, suffering physical abuse or sexual abuse, or they may already be injured. This is a serious medical emergency and they require immediate protection.
If you believe that nursing home neglect or abuse is occurring, but the person may not be in immediate danger, you can report these concerns to Iowa Health and Human Services at 1-800-362-2178. This is an agency offering adult protective services in Iowa, and acting quickly can stop the abuse or neglect from happening.
What Information Should You Provide When Reporting Abuse or Neglect?
When you make a report, offer as much information as you have. Your evidence can make a big difference in the life of your loved one as well as others. Basic info, like the patient or resident's name is necessary, of course, as well as a description of the suspected mistreatment, the nature of injuries, and any information you can offer about the person who may be abusing your loved one. Tom Fowler Law can give details on chances of winning a wrongful death suit.
Before you call, it is often a good idea to write down everything you know. When speaking about it and reporting it, you may forget details. Some of the things you should write down, if possible, include:
What happened
When and where it happened
Who was involved
Who witnessed the incident
What injuries or changes you noticed
Whether the resident received medical treatment
Whether similar incidents have happened before
Whether you have photographs, records, messages, or other evidence
You do not need to determine exactly what type of abuse occurred. Give the agency the facts you know and explain what caused you to become concerned. For more information, a quality injury lawyer in Des Moines may be able to help.
What Are Signs of Nursing Home Abuse?
Abuse and neglect are not always obvious. A nursing home resident may be unable or unwilling to explain what is happening, particularly if a medical condition affects communication or memory.
Warning signs can include unexplained bruises or injuries, sudden behavioral changes, fear around particular caregivers, poor hygiene, untreated medical problems, unexplained weight loss, dehydration, or changes in financial circumstances.
Neglect can also be a concern when a resident's basic needs are not being met. Missed medications, inadequate nutrition, lack of appropriate hygiene, untreated bedsores, or failure to provide necessary medical attention may warrant further investigation.
One concerning incident may justify making a report. You do not have to wait until you see a pattern of mistreatment.
Should You Report the Abuse to the Nursing Home?
You can notify the nursing home's administrator or another responsible employee about your concerns, but you do not have to rely solely on the facility to investigate the situation.
If you suspect abuse or neglect, you can report it to the appropriate government agency. Iowa HHS states that any person who believes a dependent adult has suffered abuse may report the suspected abuse.
You may also want to document your communications with the nursing home. Keep notes about when you reported the concern, who you spoke with, and what response you received.
What If You Are Worried About Retaliation?
Families sometimes hesitate to report suspected abuse because they are concerned about what could happen to their loved one afterward. If you believe your loved one is being mistreated or is at risk of retaliation, document your concerns and report them to the appropriate authorities.
Keep copies of written communications and make notes about conversations with facility staff. If your loved one's condition or treatment changes after you raise concerns, document those changes as well.
Can You Report Nursing Home Abuse Anonymously?
Iowa HHS states that people other than mandatory reporters may make reports of suspected dependent adult abuse, and its guidance states that other reporters may remain anonymous. Mandatory reporters have separate reporting responsibilities under Iowa law.
If you are unsure whether you can make an anonymous report or what information you need to provide, ask about the reporting process when you contact the appropriate agency.
The important thing is to report your concerns rather than waiting until you can personally prove that abuse occurred.
What Happens After You Report Nursing Home Abuse?
Reporting suspected abuse does not mean you are responsible for determining whether the allegation is true. Iowa's Dependent Adult Abuse Program receives and reviews reports and determines whether an assessment or investigation is needed.
Depending on the circumstances, different agencies may become involved, including Iowa HHS, DIAL, or law enforcement.
The purpose of reporting is to bring the concern to the attention of the people responsible for evaluating it and determining what action may be appropriate.
Talk to a Des Moines Nursing Home Abuse Attorney
If you suspect that a loved one has been abused or neglected in a nursing home, start by making sure the resident is safe. Call 911 if there is an immediate danger. Otherwise, report your concerns to the appropriate Iowa agency and provide as much information as possible. There can also be help for how to negotiate a dog bite settlement.
Iowa also has a Long-Term Care Ombudsman program that may assist people affected by nursing homes and other long-term care facilities.
If your loved one has been injured because of nursing home abuse or neglect, Tom Fowler Law can help you understand your legal options. Contact the firm to discuss the circumstances and learn more about the steps you can take to protect your loved one's rights.