Realizing that a loved one may be facing abuse in a nursing home is never easy. Elder abuse can take many forms, including physical harm, emotional neglect, financial exploitation or verbal mistreatment. In many cases, the signs are subtle and develop over time, making it even more important to stay vigilant and take action when something feels wrong.
If you suspect mistreatment, your response can make a significant difference in the well-being and safety of the person affected. The following steps can help guide you through the process of addressing and reporting suspected elder abuse.
Steps to take if you suspect elder abuse
If you believe an older adult in a care facility is being mistreated, here are the steps you should consider:
- Document your observations: Write down specific concerns, such as unexplained injuries, poor hygiene, sudden mood changes, missing belongings or reluctance to speak openly around staff. Photos, dates and descriptions can support your report and help establish a pattern.
- Speak privately with the resident: Try to have a one-on-one conversation with the individual in a calm, supportive setting. Ask gentle, open-ended questions to see how they feel and whether they express fear, confusion or discomfort about their care.
- Report your concerns to facility management: Bring your observations to the attention of nursing home administrators or supervisors. A responsible facility should take immediate steps to investigate and correct any issues. If their response is dismissive or unhelpful, move forward with outside reporting.
- Contact a local elder abuse hotline or ombudsman: Many communities offer confidential reporting services where trained professionals can investigate claims of abuse. These programs often have ombudsmen assigned to advocate for residents’ rights and assist in resolving complaints.
- Reach out to Adult Protective Services (APS): APS can investigate suspected abuse or neglect involving vulnerable adults. They may coordinate with health departments, law enforcement or other agencies to intervene when necessary.
- Call emergency services if there is immediate danger: If you believe someone is in serious or life-threatening danger, do not hesitate to contact emergency responders.
Acting quickly and seeking legal guidance can help protect the individual involved and may also prevent harm to others in the same environment. Your voice matters—reporting suspected abuse is a vital step in safeguarding vulnerable adults.