What to Do if You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse
If you think a loved one is being abused or neglected, act calmly and in order. Their safety comes first; the claim can follow.
Protect your loved one
If there is immediate danger, get help and medical care right away. You can arrange extra supervision or move them if needed. Safety comes before everything else.
Report it
Notify the facility's management, and report to adult protective services or the state licensing agency; involve law enforcement if there is a crime or danger. The Long-Term Care Ombudsman can also help.
Document what you see
Photograph injuries and conditions with dates, and write down what you observed and were told, including names. Keep a running record over time.
Request the records
Ask for your loved one's care records. You have rights to them, and they are central to understanding what happened.
Get a free review
An attorney can obtain the complete records, investigate the care, and tell you whether there is a claim — separately from the reporting process.
The deadlines and rules depend on your state
The steps above apply wherever you were hurt. Filing deadlines, fault rules, and limits on damages differ by state — pick yours for what applies to nursing home abuse.
Not sure where you stand?
A quick, confidential review can tell you — about two minutes, no cost, no obligation.
This is general information, not legal advice. Every situation is different, and the law differs by state.