Our senior citizens deserve tender care and attention. They are the parents, grandparents, and loved ones who raised and supported us for years. That’s why any sign of mistreatment is disturbing and requires that family members understand how to report nursing home abuse.
If you think you have a nursing home abuse case, learn the steps you can take to protect your loved ones. Also, find out how Jordan Law Center in Greenville, SC, can simplify the process by serving as your legal representation.
Why You Need To Know How To Report Nursing Home Abuse
The South Carolina Department of Social Services reports that the majority of cases investigating potentially vulnerable, abused, or neglected adults involve those over 60. Additionally, the South Carolina Department of Justice discovered that 10% of adults over 60 will deal with some form of abuse in any given year.
Unfortunately, this type of harm can happen in nursing homes, and South Carolina has a backlog of complaints against various facilities. This has led to a rise in concerned family members trying to determine how to report nursing home abuse.
The Rights of Residents in Nursing Home Facilities
Just because senior loved ones need extra assistance doesn’t mean they’ve sacrificed their rights to quality care and respect. Such rights include:
- Privacy during medical appointments and personal visits
- Private meetings with legal advisors
- The ability to express complaints about a facility or treatment without any retaliation
- The right to see information about the facility and the types of care
- The ability to make decisions about accepting or rejecting treatment
When a facility violates these fundamental rights, you likely have a nursing home abuse case.
Actions That Qualify as Nursing Home Abuse
The DOJ listed five main categories of elder abuse. In order of prevalence, they are:
- Financial exploitation
- Caregiver neglect and medical malpractice
- Psychological abuse
- Physical abuse
- Sexual abuse
Don’t hesitate to contact the appropriate agency if you suspect any of these are happening to your loved one. You can also call our team at Jordan Law Center for a free consultation to determine how to report nursing home abuse.
The Agencies Where You Can Report Nursing Home Abuse in South Carolina
The following organizations are available to help you address suspected abuse.
Facility administrators
If you believe the incident is the act of a rogue employee, you might speak to the facility caring for your loved one.
That administrator may be able to take the swiftest action. However, if you suspect facility management permits or encourages the abuse, turn to the following agencies.
The South Carolina Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (LTCOP)
The LTCOP specifically exists to resolve complaints for those in long-term care facilities. It is part of the South Carolina Department of Aging, and you can reach them at 1-800-868-9095.
Local police
If you have an immediate emergency putting your loved one at risk, local law enforcement usually responds the fastest. Call 911 or the local police number for a non-emergency incident. They may also show you how to report nursing home abuse to the responsible agency.
Department of Public Health (PPH)
A violation can jeopardize a nursing home’s license. For 31 years, this was the Department of Health and Environmental Control’s (DHEC) responsibility, but the service is restructuring. The DPH will now handle it, and to ease the transition, clicking links to DHEC’s website will send you to the DPH.
South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), Vulnerable Adults Investigation
SLED handles violations for individuals in facilities that the Department of Mental Health and the Department of Disabilities and Special Needs operate or have a contract with. Reach them at 1-866-200-6066.
Adult Protective Services (APS)
APS can also assist with an immediate threat. If you report nursing home abuse to it, the agency can take temporary action to get the senior to a safer location while investigating. Their number is 1-888-227-3487.
What To Do After Reporting a Nursing Home Abuse Case
Once you decide how to report nursing home abuse, a representative from the appropriate agency should confront the accused immediately. In the meantime, you should try to put your loved one in a safer location.
Get suggestions from others and investigate the reputation of prospective nursing homes. If possible, find a place close to where a friend or family member can check in regularly to ensure proper care.
How an Attorney Can Help With Nursing Home Abuse
The reality is that you have a loved one in a nursing home because you’re not able to care for them yourself.
Therefore, taking on the work of fighting a case against a negligent nursing home may be a tall order.
With our legal representatives on your side, you have someone to help you gather and present evidence. You won’t have to worry about filing because your attorney does it for you. Also, experienced legal counsel typically improves your chances of getting fair compensation and pushes agencies to act quickly.
Contact Our Team To Determine How To Report Nursing Home Abuse
Now that you know how to report nursing home abuse and how our law firm supports you, you can take action if you suspect your loved one is a victim. Contact our team at Jordan Law Center for assistance in and around Greenville, SC. We have the skills, experience and determination to help you fight for justice.
