If Abuse Happens
What can you do if you know or suspect your loved one has been subjected to elder care neglect or abuse? The most important step is to immediately report the incident or suspicion.
The National Citizens’ Coalition for Nursing Home Reform recommends the following information be included in your report:
- The name of the victim, including age and address;
- The place, time and date of the incident;
- 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;
- The nature and extent of harm and any physical signs of abuse or neglect;
- Any previous incidents - what happened?
Copies of the resident’s medical chart, eyewitness accounts and photographic evidence of wrongdoing are all extremely important in proving and stopping abuse and neglect. If possible, the victim should try to record their version of exactly what happened to them.
The incident can then be reported to appropriate facility staff (nursing director, facility administrator, social worker) or state agencies. These options include:
- The New York State Department of Health at 1-888-201-4563 (nursing home complaints) or 1-866-893-6772 (assisted living center/adult home complaints). The Department must investigate all complaints of nursing home neglect and abuse. The Department also has detailed information and complaint reports for New York State homes on its website. Click here for assisted living center/adult home information or here for nursing home information.
- Each county in New York State has an Ombudsman whose job is to try to improve care at nursing homes in their areas. To contact the State Ombudsman, please call 1-800-342-9871. If criminal activities are suspected, local law enforcement can be contacted. You should also contact us immediately to discuss legal solutions.
Schwartzapfel Truhowsky Marcus P.C. is a firm dedicated to ending nursing home neglect and abuse. We have frequently handled nursing home neglect and abuse cases and are knowledgeable regarding the complicated issues surrounding these matters. Our firm can process claims concerning neglect and abuse in any type of elder or nursing care setting, including nursing homes, rehabilitation and assisted living programs and home health care. We not only understand the legal aspects, but also the great personal pain, guilt and frustration that often go hand-in-hand with nursing home cases, and we offer a caring and sensitive approach.
If you suspect that your loved one has been subjected to neglect or abuse in a nursing home, assisted living home or elderly care facility, please call us at 1.800.966.4999 or fill out our online contact form for a free case evaluation.
