Do you suspect nursing home abuse, neglect or maltreatment? There are protocols to follow to ensure documentations of your findings. When filing a report, make sure you have visual proof, audio proof, or written proof to substantiate your findings.
Your first action step to report abuse is to contact Adult Protective Services (https://www.ourokdhs.org/s/reportabuse) and file a report online with your findings. They will likely email your or call you to gather more information for their investigation. Your next step is to email the Department of Health Long-Term Care Services (ltccomplaints@health.ok.gov). It is important to have documentation of these reports, as well as communication with the person assigned to your case.
Another contact is your facilities ombudsman. Each facility is assigned an ombudsman to assi高仿Cucci st in complaints and suggestions. Although ombudsman’s can only advise you or the facility going forward, having documentation of communication with them is important.
The most important part in the complaint process is, if you have witnessed abuse in any form, neglect, or mistreatment, file a report with your local law enforcement. Adult Protective Services, Dept. of Health LTC Services, and Ombudsman’s do not have legal authority. Filing a report with your law enforcement agency gives you a legal documentation of your findings.
Next, and unfortunately the most likely option is to pursue litigation from a nursing home lawyer & find another place for your loved one to live. Having documentation of reports from the oversight agencies above can be beneficial in your litigation pursuit. Due to the likelihood of retaliation, it is important to make sure your loved one is safe before pursuing this option.
Lastly, recognize that these instances are not isolated to one or two residents. These instances happen to nearly all residents, but unfortunately not all residents have representatives to advocate on their behalf. Partnering with nursing home reform organizations in your area, such as A Perfect Cause, can help get to the root of the problem. By reforming the system, these issues will no longer be the norm for nursing home residents. To partner with A Perfect Cause, please contact us here.