If you think someone you love is being hurt or neglected in a nursing home, trust your gut. Something as simple as a bruise, dirty sheets, or a change in behavior might be a sign. Don’t wait to see if it gets better. The sooner you speak up, the better chance you have of stopping the harm in nursing home abuse cases.
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.
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Call 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.
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Keep Following Up
After you make a report, don’t assume the problem is solved. Call back. Ask what they found. Ask what they’re doing about it. If you don’t hear back, call again. It’s okay to be persistent. The people who get justice are often the ones who don’t give up.
Know What Abuse Looks Like
Abuse isn’t always physical. It can also be emotional, financial, or come from neglect. Here are a few signs to watch for. Does your loved one have bruises they can’t explain? Do they seem scared or withdrawn? Are they missing money or items? Do they look dirty or seem hungry? These are all red flags. Don’t brush them off.
Don’t Be Afraid to Get Help from a Lawyer
Sometimes, you need more than just a report. If the nursing home did something seriously wrong, a lawyer can help you hold them accountable. They can help you understand your rights, gather evidence, and speak for you in court if it comes to that. At the very least, a good lawyer can give you peace of mind and help you protect your loved one.
The Law in Ohio Protects Nursing Home Residents
Ohio law says that nursing homes must keep people safe. They must treat residents with respect. They must meet basic needs like food, medicine, and care. When they fail to do this, they can be held responsible. That includes nursing home workers and the companies that own the homes. If your loved one is hurt because someone ignored their duties, the law gives you the right to take action.
You might feel overwhelmed. You might think, “I’m just one person going up against a big company.” But you’re not powerless. You have the truth. You have the law. And you can have a legal team who knows how to hold these facilities accountable.
What You Can Do Right Now
If you’re still not sure what to do, here’s one simple step you can take today—start a notebook. Write down everything. Who you talked to, what they said, and when. Save any letters or emails. Print out pictures. Keep a list of doctor visits or injuries. These records tell a story. They can become strong evidence later.
Don’t let fear or guilt stop you from speaking up. Abuse can happen even in the nicest looking places. You did nothing wrong by trusting a nursing home. But now that you know something’s not right, you have every reason to act.
You Don’t Have to Go Through This Alone
This isn’t just about laws and reports. It’s about someone you care about. You’re doing the right thing. You’re standing up when others stay quiet. That takes courage.
If your loved one was harmed in a nursing home, and you don’t know what to do next, Ryan Injury Attorneys is here to help. We’ll listen to your story. We’ll walk you through your options. And if you want, we’ll stand by your side every step of the way. Call us now. Don’t wait. Let’s make sure your loved one is safe—and that this never happens again.