What to Do If You Think a Nursing Home Is Neglecting Your Loved One

Placing a loved one in a nursing home is never an easy decision. It requires a leap of faith, trusting that the facility will provide the care, dignity, and attention your family member deserves. But what happens when that trust is broken? What if you suspect neglect?

At The Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect Law Firm, PC, LLO in Omaha, Nebraska, we’re committed to helping families through these challenging situations.

As the only law firm in the state exclusively handling nursing home neglect and abuse cases, we’ve helped secure justice for countless families. If you’re worried about your loved one’s well-being, this guide will help you identify neglect, take action, and understand your rights.

Signs and Symptoms of Nursing Home Neglect

Elder abuse and nursing home neglect can manifest in different ways, and recognizing the signs early can make a huge difference in your loved one’s safety and health. Here’s what to look for:

Physical Signs

●  Bedsores (Pressure Ulcers): These are preventable injuries caused by prolonged pressure on the skin. They can range from mild redness to severe open wounds.

●  Unexplained Weight Loss or Dehydration: Sudden weight changes or signs of dehydration can indicate poor nutrition or insufficient hydration.

●  Poor Hygiene: Unkempt appearance, unchanged clothing, or untreated personal care needs can point to neglect.

●  Unsanitary Living Conditions: Look for unclean bedding, soiled furniture, or general disarray in their living space.

●  Frequent Falls or Injuries: Recurring bruises, cuts, or fractures might signal a lack of supervision or unsafe conditions.

●  Recurrent Infections: Look for repeated urinary tract infections, facility-acquired pneumonia, and other recurrent infections.

Behavioral Signs

●  Withdrawal or Depression: Noticeable changes in mood, isolation, or lack of interest in activities may indicate emotional neglect.

●  Agitation or Unusual Aggression: These behaviors could stem from mistreatment or frustration with inadequate care.  Behavioral changes and confusion can also be caused by a urinary tract infection that has gone unnoticed or undiagnosed.

●  Fear or Anxiety Around Staff: Watch for signs that your loved one seems afraid of specific staff members or hesitant to interact with them.

●  Changes in Sleep Patterns: Difficulty sleeping or excessive sleepiness might suggest neglect or emotional distress.

Emotional Signs

●  Increased Confusion or Disorientation: Neglect can exacerbate cognitive decline, particularly in individuals with dementia or Alzheimer’s. Also, urinary tract infections and sepsis can cause increased confusion and disorientation.

●  Feelings of Hopelessness or Helplessness: Expressions of sadness or hopelessness might reveal unmet emotional needs.

Immediate Steps to Take

If you believe your loved one is being neglected, acting quickly is critical. Here’s what you can do:

Document Everything

Start keeping detailed records. Take photographs of visible injuries or poor living conditions. Write down dates, times, and any specific incidents you observe. These records will be valuable if you need to file complaints or take legal action.

Talk to Your Loved One

Have open and compassionate conversations. Ask them how they feel about the care they’re receiving and whether they’ve noticed anything troubling.

Communicate with the Nursing Home Staff

Bring up your concerns with nurses, administrators, or social workers. Be polite but firm, and always keep a record of your conversations. Submit a written account of your issues so there is a record of your concerns and whether such concerns are being adequately addressed.

Report to Adult Protective Services (APS)

Call the 24-hour hotline at (800) 652-1999 to report suspected neglect. APS investigates cases of abuse and neglect involving vulnerable adults.

Notify the Facility Administration

Formally notify the nursing home’s management of your concerns. This allows them an opportunity to address the issue internally, but don’t rely solely on their response.

Contact the Nebraska Long-Term Care Ombudsman

This independent advocate helps residents and their families resolve complaints. Share your documentation with the Ombudsman for further investigation and support.

Report to the DHHS Licensure Unit

File a formal complaint with the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). You can reach them at (402) 471-0316, submit an online Complaint Form, or mail your concerns to:

Health Facility Investigations, Licensure Unit – DHHS
PO Box 94669
Lincoln NE 68509-4669

Consider Relocating Your Loved One

If the neglect is severe or ongoing despite efforts to resolve it, explore other care facilities to ensure your loved one’s safety.  You should also be aware that some nursing homes will retaliate against your loved one if you report them to the State of Nebraska or Adult Protective Services. For this reason, we recommend that you transfer your loved one out of a bad nursing home before you officially report them to a Nebraska state agency to prevent any backlash or retaliation against your loved one.

When to Consult a Lawyer

In some cases, legal intervention is necessary to protect your loved one and hold the facility accountable. Here’s when you should consider contacting an attorney:

Serious Harm or Injury

If your loved one has suffered severe physical or emotional harm due to neglect, legal action may be required to seek justice and compensation.

Pattern of Neglect

When issues persist despite your efforts to address them with the facility, it’s time to escalate the situation.

Suspicion of Abuse

If you suspect your loved one is being abused or neglected, immediate legal action is essential.

Feeling Overwhelmed

The system can feel complicated, especially when navigating reports, investigations, and care decisions. A lawyer can provide guidance and ensure your loved one’s rights are protected.

Information to Provide When Reporting

Whether you’re contacting APS, DHHS, or the Ombudsman, it helps to have the following details ready:

●  Name, Address, and Age of the Vulnerable Adult: Basic identifying information.

●  Address of the Care Facility: Include the nursing home’s name and location.

●  Nature of the Alleged Neglect: Describe the issue clearly and provide any evidence.

●  Evidence of Previous Neglect: Include patterns or recurring incidents, if applicable.

●  Relevant Documentation: Photos, videos, notes, or medical records can strengthen your case.

Protect Your Loved One – Contact Us Today

The Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect Law Firm, powered by Reed Law Offices, PC, LLO, is committed to standing up for the rights of nursing home residents across Nebraska. Neglect and abuse should never go unanswered.

If you’re concerned about your loved one’s safety or care, don’t wait. Contact us today for a confidential consultation. Together, we can ensure your loved one receives the care and dignity they deserve.

Call us at (402) 933-0588 or complete our online contact form to schedule your free consultation.

We’re here to help you seek justice and hold those responsible accountable.