Reporting Nursing Home Neglect

• 1). If you believe someone is in immediate danger, call 911 and report a crime.
  
  
• 2). Call the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA), at (800) 677-1116, which is monitored by the U.S. Department on Aging. They will ask for the patient's name, address, nursing home contact information, and details on the neglect allegations. They may also ask additional questions on the patient's medical condition.
  
  
• 3). Contact your state's Department of Health to file a complaint with the Licensing and Certification Division, which is required to investigate the allegations.
  
  
• 4). You may want to consider transferring your loved one to another facility to avoid further neglect.
  
  
• 5). You may also contact an attorney who specializes in elder care to pursue litigation against the nursing home and/or worker(s) that are involved in the neglect.
  
  
• 6). Stay involved with your loved one's care. Visit frequently. Get to know the staff and doctors, and make yourself an obvious and regular presence in the facility.