1. It breaks my heart to see the substandard care that my husband's aunt is receiving in the nursing home. We can't care for her at home. What can I do?

2. Where do I go to report suspected nursing home abuse?

3. Why do I need to keep a copy of my report?

4. Is there a special format for reports or complaints about nursing home abuse?

5. What type of response should I be looking for?

6. How much would it cost to hire an attorney to help me get good care for my family member in a nursing home?

1. It breaks my heart to see the substandard care that my husband's aunt is receiving in the nursing home. We can't care for her at home. What can I do?
Bring this to the attention of the nursing home. Let them know that you are documenting this negligence and that you are reporting it. Then do so. Sarah Greene Burger, interim executive director for the National Citizens' Coalition for Nursing Home Reform, says that the threat of a lawsuit is one of the biggest weapons nursing home residents and their families have against deficient care.

2. Where do I go to report suspected nursing home abuse?
Any nursing home abuse or negligence should be reported immediately to a knowledgeable nursing home attorney and to your local State Department of Health Licensing or Certification office. You may also report it to the headquarters of your state health agency. It is wise to make your report by mail and keep a copy of your complaint. If you should make your report by telephone, keep a note of the date of the report and the name of the person with whom you spoke.

3. Why do I need to keep a copy of my report?
Privacy laws are in place to ensure that all states keep these reports confidential. If you should need to follow up on your report in any manner, you will need a copy to which to refer.

4. Is there a special format for reports or complaints about nursing home abuse?
Not really, but to be effective, all of the following information should be included in your report or complaint:

• Your name, address, telephone and/or email address;
  
• Your relationship to the resident in the nursing home;
  
• The resident's full name and the medical problems that the resident suffers.  The complaint itself should be specific;
  
• Times and dates you observed the problems;
  
• Names of the staff at the nursing home who are in any way involved, including those that you have spoken to about the abuse or negligence;
  
• Any medical records relating to the abuse (these can be from the nursing home, the emergency room and/or the hospital.) If the abuse or negligence resulted in death, an autopsy should also be included.