Write Down What Happened
Before you make a report, write down everything you saw or heard. What time did it happen? Who was there? What did your loved one say? These small details help paint a bigger picture. If you can, take pictures. Keep track of dates, names, and what people said. This record can help later if someone tries to downplay the problem.Speak to the Nursing Home First
Sometimes, talking to the nursing home staff or the person in charge helps. They might fix the problem right away. Ask to speak with the director or administrator. Be calm, but clear. Tell them what you saw, what you are worried about, and what you expect them to do. Ask them to put their response in writing. If they take you seriously and fix the problem, great. But if they ignore you, it’s time to take the next step.File a Complaint with the Ohio Department of Health
In Ohio, the Department of Health is the agency that handles complaints about nursing homes. You can report abuse, neglect, or unsafe conditions. You can call them, fill out a form online, or mail in a written complaint. You don’t have to give your name, but sharing it helps if they need to follow up. Once your complaint is in, the Department of Health will look into it. If they find the nursing home did something wrong, they may issue fines or demand changes.
Dan Ryan
Attorney
Elizabeth Fitzgerald
Paralegal
Our objectives remain clear in every case we pursue: To give every client, without delay, excuse or equivocation, our full attention, sound advice and forceful representation.
About Our FirmCall the Long-Term Care Ombudsman
The ombudsman is someone who speaks up for people in nursing homes. They don’t work for the nursing home. They don’t work for your family. They work for what’s right. In Ohio, you can contact the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman. They listen to complaints and can guide you through the steps to make things better. They may even help you talk with the nursing home or file a formal complaint.Call the Police If It’s an Emergency
If your loved one is in danger right now, or if someone is being hurt, call 911. Abuse is a crime. The police can step in fast to protect your loved one. They can also investigate to see if someone should be charged with a crime.You Can Also Call Adult Protective Services
Every county in Ohio has Adult Protective Services. They help protect older adults who are being abused, neglected, or exploited. If your loved one lives in a nursing home and you’re not sure where to turn, they’re another good place to call. They’ll look into what’s going on and connect you with help.Think About Moving Your Loved One
Sometimes, the safest thing you can do is get your loved one out. If the nursing home won’t fix the problem, or if the abuse keeps happening, you may need to find a better place. This isn’t easy, and it can be scary. But your loved one’s safety comes first.
The attorneys at Ryan Injury Lawyers treat you like family. They are extremely professional, kind, respectful and intelligently know the law. Highly recommend. They are well above par.
- Zora S.
Great service and very professional. They actually make themselves available when you call. I will be referring Ryan to all of my friends and colleagues.
- Lashawn H.