How Do I Report Nursing Home Abuse in New Jersey?
Posted July 11th, 2024.
Categories: Blog.
Nursing homes have been a saving grace for millions of people each year. These facilities offer residential care for senior citizens, disabled people, and more. Nursing home residents can reside in a place where they can maintain some sense of independence while being provided with a wide range of healthcare services and assistance. Unfortunately, there have been a number of incidents of abuse in nursing homes across the country. Our skilled lawyers understand the desire to get justice and compensation for any neglect or abuse that you or your loved one may have suffered. Speak with a Cherry Hill personal injury attorney to acquire representation and assistance in filing a nursing home abuse report in New Jersey.
What Are Signs of Nursing Home Abuse?
You want to believe that the workers you entrust your loved one with would never hurt them, and for the most part that is true. Although most nurses and healthcare workers treat patients with respect and dignity, over 5 million cases of elder abuse are reported each year. The following are some signs to look out for to identify nursing home abuse in your loved ones.
- Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, or scars
- Bed sores
- Lack of proper hygiene
- Dehydration
- Malnutrition
- Withdrawn or depressed behavior
- Unexplained weight loss
Elder abuse can come in the form of physical, emotional, sexual, or financial abuse. Keep a look out for any unusual changes in the patient’s appearance or behavior and document evidence for a report.
How Can I File a Report?
If you have noticed any signs of abuse like unexplainable injuries or behavior, you may wish to file a report with the proper authorities. There are a few ways to report nursing home abuse to ensure that the issue is addressed and rectified. Refer to the steps below to ensure that your loved one is protected and any abuser is brought to justice.
- Compile evidence regarding the alleged abuse. Take photos of visible injuries, collect medical reports from doctor visits, and take a statement from the patient if they are able to give one. Document dates and times relevant to any incidents.
- Contact the nursing home first to report your suspicions. Inform them of the information you have collected and request that they look into the matter. An investigation should be opened that includes workers being questioned, employee time sheets being evaluated, or security footage being combed through. The nursing home may or may not be receptive and concerned about your report. Whether or not they take the situation seriously, you should take further action.
- Submit a formal complaint online to the New Jersey government health facilities site.
- Call the NJ gov’s hotline, available 24/7 at 1-800-792-9770.
- Print a complaint report (which can be found on the health facilities page linked above) and fax the form to 609-943-4977 or mail it to the NJ Department of Health.
Obtain help from a skilled legal professional when filing a complaint to ensure you are following the proper procedures and protecting the rights of yourself and your loved one.
