How to Report Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse
When family members suspect a loved one is being neglected or abused in a nursing home, they may be unsure what to do. Depending on the nature of the problem, families have several options for filing a complaint against a long-term care facility or healthcare worker, and if they believe a resident is in imminent danger, they should call 9-1-1.
Long-term care facilities house elderly residents, along with younger people who may be incapacitated and have round-the-clock medical needs. All residents may be at a heightened risk of illness and injury and unable to defend themselves against violence and theft. Families play an important role in keeping their loved ones safe – when they visit frequently, they will be better able to notice any changes that could indicate a problem exists.
If you suspect a family member is being abused or neglected in a nursing home, call us today at 1-931-962-1044.
Agencies to Call
Tennessee has several state agencies, and some non-governmental groups, that can assist families who have concerns or complaints about nursing home abuse and neglect:
Adult Protective Services – 1-888-277-8366
Department of Health Division of Health Care Facilities – 1-(931) 962-1044
This department reviews complaints about unsanitary conditions, neglect, safety, and abuse, either against a specific facility or against a health care worker within that facility. To request a worker-specific complaint form, families may call -800-852-2187 or download Form PH-3466. (Note: The resident must be able to sign the form for an investigation to begin. If that’s not possible, an authorized legal representative or person holding power of attorney may sign on behalf of the resident).
Division of Consumer Affairs – 1-800-342-8385
This state division oversees complaints regarding healthcare billing and forms of financial abuse, such as misappropriation of a resident’s personal account funds.
Family Justice Centers – Multiple Locations
The Nashville center is expected to open in early 2017, and the other centers are in:
- Chattanooga – 1-423-755-2700 (24-hour crisis hotline); 1-423-643-7600 (executive director)
- Cookeville – 1-800-707-5197 (Genesis House 24-hour crisis hotline); 1-931-528-1512 (general)
- Knoxville – 1-865-521-6336 (24-hour crisis hotline); 1-865-215-6800 (office)
- Memphis – 1-901-222-4400 (24-hour crisis hotline and all other calls)
State Long-Term Care Ombudsman – 1-877-236-0013
- First Tennessee (Region 1), Johnson City – 1-423-794-2488
- East Tennessee (Region 2), Knoxville – 1-865-691-2551 ext. 4223
- Southeast Tennessee (Region 3), Chattanooga – 1-423-755-2877
- Upper Cumberland (Region 4), Cookeville – 1-931-432-4210
- Greater Nashville (Region 5), Nashville – 1-615-850-3918
- South Central (Region 6), Mt. Pleasant – 1-931-379-2940
- Northwest (Region 7), Martin – 1-731-587-4213 ext. 239
- Southwest (Region 8), Jackson – 1-731-668-6411
- Aging Commission of the Mid-South (Region 9), Memphis – 1-901-529-4565
Discovering Abuse
If residents seem to be anxious around their roommate, or less talkative when the roommate is present, that might be a sign the roommate is intimidating or abusing his loved one. Nursing homes should be adequately staffed to increase the likelihood that they will be aware of altercations between residents.
Getting Legal Help
When a nursing home resident suffers an illness or injury due to abuse or neglect, the family needs someone on their side to pursue justice. John R. Colvin has helped plenty of personal injury victims in Tennessee get the compensation they deserve for their pain and suffering. Don’t wait to ask for help. Fill out our online form, or call us today to request your free consultation: 1-931-962-1044.