Nursing Home Problem? Who To Call

If you or someone you know is experiencing a problem while a resident at a nursing home, this page suggests several steps for ensuring that the nursing home complies with the law and provides quality care to the resident.

• STEP ONE: Informal Resolution

  Families should first attempt talk to the assistant nurse or the nursing staff on duty to resolve any problem which they perceive. If the problem persists, the resident or family member should then request a care plan meeting to speak with a supervisor and also the nursing home's Administrator or Director of Nursing. Whenever possible, families should rely on your state's and all Federal laws designed to protect nursing home residents.

• STEP TWO Formal Resolution

  If the problem continues, after bring it to the attention of the nursing staff, their supervisors and the facility's administration, families should then consider contacting each of the following:

  1. Ask an Attorney If you believe that you or someone you know is suffering from needless neglect or abuse you should contact a legal expert who specialize in handling nursing home abuse claims. If you ask, most legal experts will be able to advise you of your rights. Click here for a free case evaluation…
  2. Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program A state-sanction program of trained volunteers authorized to inspect nursing homes and investigate complaints of reported elderly abuse. To find the State representative serving your area, refer to your local yellow pages or contact directory assistance.
  3. Abuse RegistryTakes reports of abuse, neglect and exploitation of the elderly and disabled. To contact the Abuse Registry call 1 (800) 96-ABUSE or (1-800-962-2873).
  4. The Elder HelplineThis helpline provides information about services available to senior citizens. For more information, please call 1 (800) 96-ELDER or (1-800-963-5337).
  5. Fraud HotlineBy calling this number Medicare or Medicaid beneficiaries may report suspected fraud and waste such as inappropriate payments and overuse of services in nursing homes. To report suspected Medicare fraud, please call 1 (800) HHS-TIPS or (1-800-447-8477).
  6. Medicare HotlineTo contact the Medicare hotline, please call (401) 786-7843

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